How to find fractional uncertainty?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking how to calculate fractional uncertainty, which typically involves taking the ratio of the uncertainty (or error) of a measurement to the measured value itself. This is useful in experiments to quantify the precision of measurements.
Answer
Absolute uncertainty divided by the measured value
The fractional uncertainty is calculated by dividing the absolute uncertainty by the measured value.
Answer for screen readers
The fractional uncertainty is calculated by dividing the absolute uncertainty by the measured value.
More Information
Fractional uncertainty is dimensionless as the units cancel out during the division, providing a pure number.
Tips
A common mistake is not canceling the units or confusing fractional uncertainty with percentage uncertainty, which involves multiplying by 100.
Sources
- Experimental Uncertainty - bates.edu
- How Is Fractional Uncertainty Defined When the Measured Value Is Zero - Physics Forums - physicsforums.com
- Calculating Uncertainties | CIE A Level Physics Revision Notes 2022 - Save My Exams - savemyexams.com
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