LAB 1
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Thomas Edison State College *
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128
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Mechanical_engineering
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Jun 14, 2024
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Uploaded by ProfessorClover19673
Lab 1: EXPERIMENTAL ERRORS AND UNCERTAINTY
Roberto Ceballos
TESU PHY-1280
Prof. Paramdeep Khurana
09 Jun 2024
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this lab is to go over experimental errors by demonstrating and observing examples. Uncertainties are tied into and developed from experimental errors. INTRODUCTION
Mistakes and errors are always bound to happen. For experiments, the errors
are minimized to create accurate results. Not all variables can be controlled so it can create uncertainty in experiments. Looking at all the data inputs prior to experiments, seeing what can be changed or what is constant will give insight on what to expect. Some specifics things utilized for this experiment are using the same unit of measurement and performing calculations as accurately as possible.
MATERIALS
Laptop
Pen
paper
Graphing calculator
RESULTS
1.
Imagine that your team has been assigned by a construction company to measure the dimensions of an empty lot in a subdivision. Briefly give examples of the 6 types/sources of errors described above and explain what you would do to minimize them.
Errors can form a variety of issues or results. They can include
a)
Equipment differences- ensuring the team utilizes the same measuring tools so no tool is different and no chance of providing different results.
b)
Different methods of taking data-ensure the team is taught and explained on how to measure the data each and every person will then read measurements the same.
c)
Miscommunication between teams- this ties into the training as well. Making sure everyone is on the same page.
d)
Human error mistakes happen. A reading/ measurement can be missed or misread. Again, this ties into training and communication in the team.
e)
External factors affecting data- issues can arise where not all the measurements/data can be taken. So, ensuring the team is ready to
execute before external factors arise.
f)
Equipment error- everyone can be using the same tool. But if every tool isn’t reading the same or damaged then different measurements/ readings result. To minimize this, calibration is involved with measuring tools. Ensuring they are accurate.
2.
A certain gas is known to have a pressure of 9 psi. We are asked to take measurements using two different sensors. These are the results that we obtained after measuring the pressure of the gas 7 different times.
Sensor 1: 9.8 10.0
10.3 9.7 9.9 10.1 9.8 Sensor 2: 9.3 9.5 8.6 9.0 8.9 9.2 8.5
Do you believe one of the sensors is more accurate than the other? What about precise? Explain your reasoning.
Yes, one sensor can be reading more accurate than the other as well as precisely. One sensor can be damaged or can be constructed differently. Those things can be the cause of different readings or in certain aspects affect the accuracy. Over time the sensors can be worn or lose the ability to reach that certain pressure. Along with that, precision is being able to achieve a certain reading like 9psi again and again. 3. Calculate the mean and standard deviation from the values using Sensor 2. Show all your work step by step. Sensor 2
values
: 9.3 9.5 8.6 9.0 8.9 9.2 8.5
Mean(x)=(sum of all the individual values)/ (number of measurements)
Mean= (9.3+9.5+8.6+9.0+8.9+9.2+8.5)/7
Mean=9
4.
If we were able to perform totally accurate and precise measurements, what would be the standard deviation in these conditions?
Achieving accurate and precise measurements would result in a small or close to zero standard deviation. Ideally, in a perfect world, being able to achieve the same results consecutively would be closest to zero. 5.
By inspecting the mean and standard deviation values from Sensor 1 and Sensor 2, what can you say about the accuracy of each sensor. What about its precision?
The accuracy from the sensors is resulting in a ideal overall reading. The mean of 9 is as close to
the expected reading of the known gas pressure. The precision is a okay since the degree of measurement is so low. If there were a higher degree of measurement or a low tolerance for the readings,
then we could have a high standard deviation.
6.Calculate the Mean (Y) and Standard Deviation for each time completing the table below.
Trial
Mean Standard deviation
1
3.32
3.276
2
3.38
3.035
3
3.30
3.036
4
3.34
3.167
5
3.36
2.884
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7.
Using the spreadsheet or plotting program of your choice, plot
(Y) vs. t (that is, plot (Y) in the vertical axis and t in the horizontal axis.
CONCLUSION
The objective of this lab was to demonstrate the ability to analyze/ compute data. Specifically looking for errors or deviations in data.
This lab started by explaining and thinking about what can affect data and different than expected results. Data sets were then given and analyzed. Using the data given, calculations were performed to see in the variances in data. At end, part of the data was utilized to demonstrate the ability to plot data.
In the calculation portion of this lab, human errors were made by using formulas incorrectly. After double checking work, the corrected calculations were observed. This lab also helps think bigger picture and think about past experiences how small things can affected results. Also while analyzing data, thinking about how a bigger sample would result in smaller variances in results. For future labs, double checking calculations helps catching errors, specifically for this case calculations were written
down.