1. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Describe 3 entirely different (but practical) ways for determining the area (in cm 2 ) of the darkened region below (design is on a piece of paper) to within 0.1%. 1.Superimpose a finely-spaced grid over the figure and count squares. 2.Cut out figure and weigh it. Compare that weight to that of piece of paper. If too light, transfer image to another uniformly-dense material. 3.Divide figure into local regions that can be integrated numerically. 4.Computer scan image and count pixels. 5.Build a container whose cross-section is that of the darkened figure. Fill with 1000cc water and measure level.

2. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Describe 3 entirely different (but practical) ways for determining the area (in cm 2 ) of the darkened region below (design is on a piece of paper) to within 0.1%. 6.Use a “polar planimeter” – gadget that mechanically integrates the area defined by a close curve. 7.“Throw darts.” Draw rectangle (of calculable area) that encloses image. Pick random points within the rectangle and count which ones fall within the darkened figure. The ratio can be used to estimate area. (Monte Carlo Integration)

3. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Error and Uncertainty Objectives Students will understand the significance of and be able to quantify the following: 1.Significant Figures 2.Accuracy, Precision, Error, Uncertainty 3.Mean Values 4.Average Deviation of the Mean 5.Relative and % Uncertainty 6.Precision of Computed Results

4. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Source of Lecture Information Bellevue College Science Division No author or date noted http://scidiv.bellevuecollege.edu/physics/measure&s igfigs/Measure&sigfigsintro.html http://scidiv.bellevuecollege.edu/physics/measure&s igfigs/Measure&sigfigsintro.html

5. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Significant Figures Digits that are: – Actual Measured Values – Defined Numbers: Unit conversions, e.g. 2.54 cm in one inch Pi e, base of natural logarithms Integers, e.g. counting, what calendar year Rational fractions, e.g. 2/5 – Computed Results using Significant Figures

6. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Significant Figures Digits that are the result of actual measurements How many significant digits in each measurement taken with a meter stick? Three: 40.0 cm 41.2 cm 42.4 cm http://serc.carleton.edu/quantskills/methods/quantlit/DeepTime.html

7. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Significant Figures Be clear in your communication Which is it? – 40 cm – 40.0 cm – 4 x 10 1 cm http://serc.carleton.edu/quantskills/methods/quantlit/DeepTime.html

8. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Significant Figures State the number of significant figures: 52803 0.352 0.003073 2041004 180.005

9. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Significant Figures State the number of significant figures for the number described in each phrase below: My mattress is 180 inches long3 My car gets twenty miles per gallon2 5280 feet per mile4 There are ten cars in that train2 I am going to the Seven-Eleven0

10. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott 273.92 rounded to 4 digits is 273.9 1.97 rounded to 2 digits is 2.0 2.55 rounded to 2 digits is 2.6 4.45 rounded to 2 digits is 4.4 Significant Figures Rounding: If you do not round after a computation, you imply a greater accuracy than you actually measured 1.Determine how many digits you will keep 2.Look at the first rejected digit 3.If digit is less than 5, round down 4.If digit is more than 5, round up 5.If digit is 5, round up or down in order to leave an even number as your last significant figure

11. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Significant Figures Rounding after math operations: Multiplication or Division # of sig figs in result is equal to the # of sig figs in least accurate value used in the computation 273.92 x 3.25 = 890.24; Result is rounded to 890 1/3 x 5.20 = 1.73333; Result is rounded to 1.73 1.97 x 2 = 3.94; Result is rounded to 4 2.0 x Pi = 6.28318...; Result is rounded to 6.3

12. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Significant Figures Rounding after math operations: Addition or Subtraction Place of last sig fig is important What’s the problem here?

13. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Significant Figures Multiple Calculations The least error will come from combining all terms algebraically, then computing all at once. If you need to show intermediate steps to a reader, calculate sig figs at every step.

14. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Accuracy vs. Precision Accuracy refers to the agreement between a measurement and the true or accepted value – Cannot be discussed meaningfully unless the true value is known or knowable – The true value is not usually known (i.e. can never be known) – We generally have an estimate of the true value Precision refers to the repeatability of measurement – Does not require us to know the true value

15. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Accuracy vs. Precision You are on the equator during the Spring Equinox (Mar 20) at midday (Sun is directly overhead) Your watch reads 12:00pm – Is your watch accurate? – Is your watch precise? – How many significant figures does your watch communicate? http://benkolstad.net/?p=2003 Yes – measurement agrees with true value Don’t know – wait until sun overhead tomorrow 4; If you have a seconds hand, then 6

16. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Accuracy vs. Precision Rate the level of Accuracy and Precision as high/low

17. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott http://www.shmula.com/2092/precision-accuracy-measurement-system

18. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Accuracy vs. Precision Rate the data precision and accuracy low or high High Precision Low Accuracy Low Precision High Accuracy Low Precision Low Accuracy

19. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Error vs. Uncertainty Error refers to the disagreement between a measurement and the true or accepted value In “real” science, it’s not very important (science studies new things where there are no true/accepted values) Scientists design experiments and assume no error. Subsequent results may show error. In school, we assume error and compare our results with the accepted values. Don’t discuss error until a correct data analysis is done

20. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Error vs. Uncertainty Uncertainty is an interval around a value such that any repetition will produce a new result that lies within that interval. Value + Uncertainty (e.g. L = 1.20 + 0.15 m, or L = 1.20 m + 0.15 m) It is always possible to construct a completely certain sentence.

21. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Situation: A class of students measures the length of a metal rod in centimeters. 1.Which group has the most accurate measurement? Don’t Know 2.Which group has the greatest error? Don’t Know 3.Which group has the most precise measurement? Group C 4.Which group has the greatest uncertainty? Group D Student Group Student 1Student 2Student 3Student 4Student 5Average Average Deviation Group A10.110.49.69.910.810.160.352 Group B10.13510.22710.20110.01110.15510.14580.0582 Group C12.1412.1712.1512.1412.1812.1560.02 Group D10.0510.828.0111.5010.7710.2300.96 Group E101110 10.20.32

22. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott 1.Which group has the least accurate measurement? Group C 2.Which group has the smallest error? Group A 3.Which group has the least precise measurement? Group D 4.Which group has the smallest uncertainty? Group C Update: The correct length of the rod is 10.160 cm Student Group Student 1Student 2Student 3Student 4Student 5Average Average Deviation Group A10.110.49.69.910.810.160.352 Group B10.13510.22710.20110.01110.15510.14580.0582 Group C12.1412.1712.1512.1412.1812.1560.02 Group D10.0510.828.0111.5010.7710.2300.96 Group E101110 10.20.32

23. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Error – difference between an observed/measured value and a true value. – We usually don’t know the true value – We usually do have an estimate Systematic Errors – Faulty calibration, incorrect use of instrument – User bias – Change in conditions – e.g., temperature rise Random Errors – Statistical variation – Small errors of measurement – Mechanical vibrations in apparatus Error

24. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Accuracy and Estimation Which type of error, systematic or random? Systematic Low Error Random

25. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Student Group Student 1Student 2Student 3Student 4Student 5Average Average Deviation Group A10.110.49.69.910.810.160.352 Group B10.13510.22710.20110.01110.15510.14580.0582 Group C12.1412.1712.1512.1412.1812.1560.02 Group D10.0510.828.0111.5010.7710.2300.96 Group E101110 10.20.32 Error vs. Uncertainty Accuracy vs. Precision

26. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Error Percent Error Relative Error

27. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Estimating and Accuracy Measurements often don’t fit the gradations of scales Two options: – Estimate with a single reading – Independently measure several times and take an average http://scidiv.bellevuecollege.edu/physics/measure&sigfigs/C-Uncert-Estimate.html

28. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Estimating and Accuracy Simplest estimate, and common practice, is to assign ½ the most precise value on the scale: 3.5 + 0.5mm http://scidiv.bellevuecollege.edu/physics/measure&sigfigs/C-Uncert-Estimate.html

29. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Precision of the Device Some differences are always a part of any manufacturing process. The uncertainty is assumed to be ½ the smallest scale division shown on the device. This assumed uncertainty should be the case over the entire length of the device. Unless the manufacturer provides the precision http://scidiv.bellevuecollege.edu/physics/measure&sigfigs/C-Uncert-Estimate.html

30. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Make Multiple Measurements Highly recommended when concerned with accuracy of results Uncertainty is estimated using average deviation Try to make each trial independent of the previous trial – different ruler, different observer, etc.

31. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Mean and Avg. Deviation When taking the mean of multiple measurements, the value for the mean should have 1 more sig fig than in the original observations Student Group Student 1Student 2Student 3Student 4Student 5Average Average Deviation Group A10.110.49.69.910.810.160.352 Group B10.13510.22710.20110.01110.15510.14580.0582 Group C12.1412.1712.1512.1412.1812.1560.02 Group D10.0510.828.0111.5010.7710.2300.96 Group E101110 10.20.32

32. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Length (cm)Dev. from Mean 15.390.012 15.370.008 15.370.008 15.390.012 15.380.002 15.370.008 15.370.008 15.380.002 15.378 (mean)0.008 (A.D.) Mean and Avg. Deviation

33. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Mean and Avg. Deviation Average Deviation is always rounded to one sig fig. Mean can be subsequently be adjusted to contain appropriate # sig figs.

34. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Mean and Avg. Deviation Report the measurements below with the uncertainty that should be reported: Student Group Student 1Student 2Student 3Student 4Student 5Average Average Deviation Group A10.110.49.69.910.810.160.352 Group B10.13510.22710.20110.01110.15510.14580.0582 Group C12.1412.1712.1512.1412.1812.1560.02 Group D10.0510.828.0111.5010.7710.2300.96 Group E101110 10.20.32

35. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Mean and Avg. Deviation 10.2 + 0.4 cm 10.15 + 0.06 cm 12.16 + 0.02 cm 10 + 1 cm 10.2 + 0.3 cm Average Average Deviation 10.160.352 10.14580.0582 12.1560.02 10.2300.96 10.20.32

36. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Uncertainty – Abs, Rel, % Absolute Uncertainty – uncertainty in value Relative Uncertainty – ratio of uncertainty to value Percent Uncertainty – relative uncertainty x 100% 2 sig figs 1 sig fig

37. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Uncertainty – Abs, Rel, % Determine the relative uncertainty for each of the measurements below (2 sig figs in rel/% uncertainty): 0.022, 2.2% 0.011, 1.1% 0.26, 26% 0.025, 2.5%

38. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Uncertainty – Abs, Rel, % Determine the absolute uncertainty for each of the measurements below (1 sig fig in uncertainty):

39. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Calculators and significant digits: Let the uncertain digit determine the precision to which you quote a result Calculator:12.6892 Estimated Error:+/- 0.07 Quote:12.69 +/- 0.07

40. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott What is an error? In data analysis, engineers use – error = uncertainty – error ≠ mistake. Mistakes in calculation and measurements should always be corrected before calculating experimental error. Measured value of x = x best   x – x best = best estimate or measurement of x –  x = uncertainty or error in the measurements

41. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott All measurements have errors What are some sources of measurement errors? – Instrument uncertainty (caliper vs. ruler) Use half the smallest division. – Measurement error (using an instrument incorrectly) Measure your height - not hold ruler level. – Variations in the size of the object (spaghetti is bumpy) Statistical uncertainty L = 9 ± 0.5 cm L = 8.5 ± 0.3 cm L = 11.8 ± 0.1 cm

42. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott If no error is given, assume half the last significant figure. That's why you don't write 25.367941 mm.

43. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott How do you account for errors in calculations? The way you combine errors depends on the math function – added or subtracted – multiplied or divide – other functions The sum of two lengths is L eq = L 1 + L 2. What is error in L eq ? The area is of a room is A = L x W. What is error in A? A simple error calculation gives the largest probable error.

44. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Sum or difference What is the error if you add or subtract numbers? The absolute error is the sum of the absolute errors.

45. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott What is the error in length of molding to put around a room? L 1 = 5.0cm  0.5cm and L 2 = 6.0cm  0.3cm. The perimeter is The error (upper bound) is:

46. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Errors can be large when you subtract similar values. Weight of container = 30 ± 5 g Weight of container plus nuts = 35 ± 5 g Weight of nuts?

47. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott What is the error in the area of a room? L = 5.0cm  0.5cm and W = 6.0cm  0.3cm. What is the relative error? What is the absolute error? Board Derivation

48. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Product or quotient What is error if you multiply or divide? The relative error is the sum of the relative errors.

49. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Multiply by constant What if you multiply a variable x by a constant B? The error is the constant times the absolute error.

50. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott What is the error in the circumference of a circle? C = 2 π R – For R = 2.15 ± 0.08 cm  C = 2 π (0.08 cm) = 0.50 cm

51. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Powers and exponents What if you square or cube a number? The relative error is the exponent times the relative error. Board Derivation

52. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott What is the error in the volume of a sphere? V = 4/3 π R 3 – For R = 2.15 ± 0.08 cm – V = 41.6 cm 3  V/V = 3 * (0.08 cm/2.15 cm) = 0.11  V = 0.11 * 41.6 cm 3 = 4.6 cm 3 Board Derivation

53. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott What is the error in the volume of a sphere?

54. Engineering Practicum Baltimore Polytechnic Institute M. Scott Lab “Calculus of Errors” Explanation