Chapter 3

How to Report and

Use Uncertainties
1

Suppose we have 4 data:

Discrepancy
If two measurements of the same quantity disagree, we say there is a discrepancy.
Numerically, we define the discrepancy between two measurements as their
difference:

Discrepancy

Discrepancy

Comparison of Measured
and Accepted Values

Comparison of Measured and

Accepted Values

Comparison of Two
Measured Numbers

Comparison of Two
Measured Numbers

10

Comparison of Two Measured

Numbers

11

Comparison of Two
Measured Numbers

12

Comparison of Two
Measured Numbers

13

Comparison of Two Measured

Numbers

14

Comparison of Two Measured

Numbers

15

Comparison of Two Measured

Numbers

16

Comparison of Two Measured

Numbers

17

Checking Relationships with a

Graph

18

Checking Relationships with a

Graph

19

Figure 2.5. Three plots of

extension x of a spring against
the load m.
(a) The data of Table 2.3
without error bars,
(b) The same data with error
bars to show the
uncertainties in x. (The
uncertainties in m are
assumed to be negligible.)
These data are consistent
with the expected
proportionality of x and m.
(c) A different set of data,
which are inconsistent with x
being proportional to m.

Hookes law

kx mg
g
x m
k

20

Hooke's law
first five
points can be fitted

The

to a straight line
through the origin.
This situation suggests
that x may be
proportional to m up to
approximately 600
grams, but that Hooke's
law breaks down at
that point and the
spring starts to stretch
more rapidly.
21

To be continued

22