Practice question · Multiple choice
Two labs measure the same constant. Lab A: . Lab B: . The accepted value is 9.81. Which statement is the correct reading of these results?
Hints
- Consistency means the accepted value lies within (roughly) the quoted uncertainty, check each interval.
- A: 9.79 ± 0.02 spans 9.77–9.81. B: 9.90 ± 0.15 spans 9.75–10.05. Where does 9.81 fall?
Show the answer
D. Both are consistent with 9.81 within their error bars
Why
Both intervals embrace 9.81, so both measurements are consistent with it. B is merely less precise, not wrong. Results are statements of ranges, not single numbers; comparing bare central values without their uncertainties is the cardinal sin of data interpretation.
Practise Problem-Solving: Laboratory Practice
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