Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Errors and uncertainties

Errors and uncertainties — practice question

A student records the length $l$ and the oscillation period $T$ for a simple pendulum. He then applies the equation below to determine the acceleration of free fall $g$. $T = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}$ The measurements are given as: $l = (87.3 \pm 0.2)\,\text{cm}$ $T = (1.9 \pm 0.05)\,\text{s}$ What percentage uncertainty is there in his calculated value of $g$?

  • A2.4\%
  • B2.9\%
  • C5.5\%
  • D7.2\%

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