Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Errors and uncertainties

Errors and uncertainties — practice question

A student wants to find the density $\rho$ of lead. She records the mass and diameter of a small lead sphere: mass $= (0.506 \pm 0.005)\,\text{g}$, diameter $= (2.20 \pm 0.02)\,\text{mm}$. What is the most reasonable estimate of the percentage uncertainty in her calculated value of $\rho$?

  • A1.9%
  • B2.0%
  • C2.8%
  • D3.7%

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