Understanding Uncertainty Propagation in Physics

What is the main focus of this lecture on uncertainty propagation?

• Discussing the philosophical implications of uncertainty

• Understanding the concept of absolute uncertainty

• Learning the rules for propagating uncertainty in various operations

• Exploring the history of uncertainty in physics

In Example 1, what is the fractional uncertainty of the area of a 2D plate if the absolute uncertainty of the radius is Delta B?

• 3 times Delta B over B

• 4 times Delta B over B

• Delta B over B

• 2 times Delta B over B

What is the rule for propagating uncertainty when raising a number to a power?

• Add the absolute uncertainties

• Subtract the absolute uncertainties

• Multiply the fractional uncertainty by the power

• Divide the fractional uncertainty by the power

Why does pi not contribute to the uncertainty in Example 1?

• Pi is not used in the calculation

• Pi is a constant with high uncertainty

• Pi is a variable

• Pi is an exact number with zero uncertainty

How do you calculate the percent uncertainty of the density of a cube in Example 2?

• Multiply the percent uncertainties of the mass and volume

• Divide the percent uncertainty of the mass by the volume

• Subtract the percent uncertainty of the mass from the volume

• Add the percent uncertainties of the mass and volume

In Example 2, what is the percent uncertainty of the volume of the cube?

• 16%

• 12%

• 8%

• 4%

In Example 3, what is the ratio of the percent uncertainty of the volume of the sphere to that of the cube?

• 3

• 0.5

• 1

• 2

In Example 3, why do the sphere and cube have the same uncertainty?

• They have different diameters

• They have the same diameter and volume equations

• The cube is inside the sphere

• The sphere is inside the cube

What is the uncertainty of K in Example 4 if the uncertainties of a Max and X not are 20% and 12% respectively?

• 20%

• 32%

• 16%

• 40%

What is the final step in calculating the uncertainty of K in Example 4?

• Add the uncertainties of a Max and X not

• Multiply the uncertainty by the square root

• Multiply the percent uncertainty by one-half

• Subtract the uncertainties of a Max and X not