I did a lab on Simple Harmonic Motion using a pendulum. I found that the length alters the period of a pendulum. In the lab, we took a pendulum and changed the amplitude, added mass, and changed the length.
I'm having a lot of trouble thinking of SOEs (sources of error). Anyone have any ideas or can lead me in the right path? I'm really bad at Physics, so I'm still trying to figure this out. Thanks!
2006-12-20 08:59:16 · 5 answers · asked by Skye R 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
SOE: Your experimental set-up, your calculations, your logic (in the conclusions and write-up), unaccounted friction, inaccurate measurements (length, speeds, height, etc.), inaccurate measuring tools (bad calibration, electrical noise, mechanical noise), human reaction time lag error, human measurement reading error (for non-digital measurements), etc. etc.
2006-12-20 09:16:12 · answer #1 · answered by Andy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You didn't account for friction or air resistance. Both of those were ignored because they're too small to measure.
A more significant source of error is your measuring instruments. A ruler only has markings down to the millimeter, at best. You have to estimate between the markings. The scale you used to measure the mass is only so precise. The clock you used to time the swings not only has a limited degree of precision, but it's also impossible for you to start and stop the watch at exactly the desired times.
The imprecision of the measuring instruments and variations in tools, components you use in your experiments is always going to be a large source of error in your experiments ...... which is why, sooner or later, you're going to learn about significant digits. Just because your calculator displays 9 digits doesn't mean the last 6 have any reliability. Not unless you're doing your experiments with some extremely expensive test equipment and components.
2006-12-20 09:59:34 · answer #2 · answered by Bob G 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi. I'll make a stab. In any experiment there may be forces not accounted for, such as bearing friction and air resistance. In your measurement technique there are small errors due to incremental measurements vs pure analog. Energy, and the process we observe caused by energy, has a non-smooth nature due to quantum effects, etc. Hope this helps.
2006-12-20 09:06:03 · answer #3 · answered by Cirric 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Take a look at this site it might help
http://cc.ysu.edu/physics-astro/Report.PDF
scroll down and look at Sources of Error.
2006-12-20 09:24:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I remember something like this in my musical accoustics class.
Check under the topic "Musical Accoustics." There, it might answer your questions.
Good luck.
2006-12-20 09:07:44 · answer #5 · answered by cute_chocolate_buggie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋