PHYS1081 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Error Bar, Straight Edge, Prentice Hall
Document Summary
Experimental values are obtained through measurement and consequently reflect the inevitable limitations on the precision of the equipment used in making the measurement. An estimate of the uncertainty in the measurement is reported in the form x x. This indicates that we have confidence that the actual value lies within the interval (x - x) to (x + x). It also emphasizes that we can not claim nor are we claiming that our measurement x is the actual value. When plotting values on a graph from which we will ultimately attempt to draw conclusions it is important that we do not simply draw a single point as this would imply that our measured value was the actual value. Rather our plotted point must indicate the size of the interval within which we have confidence that the actual value lies. A typical data point correctly indicating the size of our interval has the appearance shown.
