Practice question · Match the pairs
Match each problem-solving strategy to its description.
- Dimensional analysis
- Order-of-magnitude estimate
- Limiting cases
- Sensitivity analysis
- Verify a formula by checking extreme parameter values
- Check that units are consistent on both sides of an equation
- Rough calculation to check if a result is reasonable
- Determine which variable contributes most to the total uncertainty
Hints
- Each strategy is a way of catching a mistake before it propagates.
- One checks units; another checks a limiting case.
Show the answer
- Dimensional analysis → Check that units are consistent on both sides of an equation
- Order-of-magnitude estimate → Rough calculation to check if a result is reasonable
- Limiting cases → Verify a formula by checking extreme parameter values
- Sensitivity analysis → Determine which variable contributes most to the total uncertainty
Why
These strategies help catch errors and build confidence in results.
Practise Problem-Solving: Laboratory Practice
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