Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Errors and uncertainties

Errors and uncertainties — practice question

The diagram shows a metre rule resting horizontally on two pivots. The vertical displacement $y$ at the centre of the rule is related by $y = \dfrac{kML^3}{wt^3}$ where $k$ is a constant, $L$ is the separation between the pivots, $M$ is the mass of the rule, $t$ is the thickness of the rule and $w$ is the width of the rule. In an experiment, these values are measured: $L = (80.0 \pm 0.2)\,\text{cm}$ $M = (60 \pm 1)\,\text{g}$ $t = (6.0 \pm 0.1)\,\text{mm}$ $w = (23.0 \pm 0.5)\,\text{mm}$ Which measurement makes the largest contribution to the uncertainty in the calculated value of $y$?

  • A$L$
  • B$M$
  • C$t$
  • D$w$

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