Physics Laboratory Experiments
Physics Laboratory Experiments
8th Edition
ISBN: 9781285738567
Author: Jerry D. Wilson, Cecilia A. Hernández-Hall
Publisher: Cengage Learning
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 2, Problem 1ASA

Do experimental measurements give the true value of a physical quantity? Explain.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
To determine

Whether true value of a physical quantity is obtained in experimental measurements or not.

Answer to Problem 1ASA

The experimental measurements do not give the true value of a physical quantity. There will be some uncertainty or error inherent to every measurement made.

Explanation of Solution

In every measurement taken by any instrument, there is a finite probability of having an experimental uncertainty or error irrespective of the quality and care taken during measurement. The type and severity of the errors may vary depending on the instrument, the technology of operation, and quality of operation.

Obtaining a true value of any quantity in any measurement is practically not possible. However the measurement can be taken with at most accuracy and precision if proper advanced instruments are used. Repetition of measurement and taking average of all the measurements taken helps to find the most reliable values of the parameters. Every physical parameter demands an order of accuracy and precision depending on the physical environment, and the observer needs to ensure only whether the measurement meet that criteria.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
If you connect a 1.8 F and a 2.6 F capacitor in series, what will be the equivalent capacitance?
Suppose that a particular heart defibrillator uses a 1.5 x 10-5 Farad capacitor. If it is charged up to a voltage of 7300 volts, how much energy is stored in the capacitor? Give your answer as the number of Joules.
The voltage difference across an 8.3 nanometer thick cell membrane is 6.5 x 10-5volts.  What is the magnitude of the electric field inside this cell membrane? (Assume the field is uniform, and give your answer as the number of Volts per meter... which is the same as the number of Newtons per Coulomb.)
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Physics
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
University Physics Volume 1
Physics
ISBN:9781938168277
Author:William Moebs, Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:OpenStax - Rice University
Text book image
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:9781938168000
Author:Paul Peter Urone, Roger Hinrichs
Publisher:OpenStax College
Text book image
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Physics
ISBN:9781133104261
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Technology ...
Physics
ISBN:9781305116399
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:9781285737027
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern ...
Physics
ISBN:9781337553292
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Half life | Radioactivity | Physics | FuseSchool; Author: FuseSchool - Global Education;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDkNlU7zKYU;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY