Determining the Best Experimental Value for Angular Height

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 73 views

Introduction

In physics experiments, determining the best experimental value for a measured quantity and its associated uncertainty is crucial for accurate data analysis and interpretation. In this task, we will use the given data in the table to determine the best experimental value for the angular height ( ${h}$ ) and the expected uncertainty ( ${\delta h}$ ) in centimeters (cm) using the formula: ${h = R(1 - \cos \theta)}$ .

Understanding the Formula

The formula for calculating the angular height ( ${h}$ ) is given by: ${h = R(1 - \cos \theta)}$ , where ${R}$ is the radius of the circle and ${\theta}$ is the angle of elevation. This formula is derived from the geometry of a circle and is used to calculate the height of an object above the ground.

Given Data

Angle of Elevation ( ${\theta}$ )	Measured Radius ( ${R}$ )	Calculated Height ( ${h}$ )
30°	10.5 cm
45°	11.2 cm
60°	10.8 cm

Calculating the Calculated Height ( ${h}$ )

Using the formula: ${h = R(1 - \cos \theta)}$ , we can calculate the calculated height ( ${h}$ ) for each angle of elevation.

For 30°

${h = 10.5(1 - \cos 30°)}$ ${h = 10.5(1 - 0.866)}$ ${h = 10.5(0.134)}$ ${h = 1.40}$ cm

For 45°

${h = 11.2(1 - \cos 45°)}$ ${h = 11.2(1 - 0.707)}$ ${h = 11.2(0.293)}$ ${h = 3.28}$ cm

For 60°

${h = 10.8(1 - \cos 60°)}$ ${h = 10.8(1 - 0.5)}$ ${h = 10.8(0.5)}$ ${h = 5.40}$ cm

Determining the Best Experimental Value for Angular Height

To determine the best experimental value for the angular height ( ${h}$ ), we need to find the average of the calculated heights.

Average Calculated Height

${\overline{h} = \frac{h_{30°} + h_{45°} + h_{60°}}{3}}$ ${\overline{h} = \frac{1.40 + 3.28 + 5.40}{3}}$ ${\overline{h} = \frac{10.08}{3}}$ ${\overline{h} = 3.36}$ cm

Determining the Expected Uncertainty ( ${\delta h}$ )

To determine the expected uncertainty ( ${\delta h}$ ), we need to calculate the standard deviation of the calculated heights.

Standard Deviation of Calculated Heights

${\sigma = \sqrt{\frac{\sum (h_i - \overline{h})^2}{N-1}}}$ ${\sigma = \sqrt{\frac{(1.40-3.36)^2 + (3.28-3.36)^2 + (5.40-3.36)^2}{3-1}}}$ ${\sigma = \sqrt{\frac{(-1.96)^2 + (-0.08)^2 + (1.84)^2}{2}}}$ ${\sigma = \sqrt{\frac{3.84 + 0.0064 + 3.38}{2}}}$ ${\sigma = \sqrt{\frac{7.1844}{2}}}$ ${\sigma = \sqrt{3.5922}}$ ${\sigma = 1.89}$ cm

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best experimental value for the angular height ( ${h}$ ) is 3.36 cm, and the expected uncertainty ( ${\delta h}$ ) is 1.89 cm. These values are determined using the formula: ${h = R(1 - \cos \theta)}$ and the given data in the table. The standard deviation of the calculated heights is used to determine the expected uncertainty.

Recommendations

Based on the results, it is recommended to use the average calculated height (3.36 cm) as the best experimental value for the angular height ( ${h}$ ). Additionally, the expected uncertainty ( ${\delta h}$ ) of 1.89 cm should be taken into account when interpreting the results.

Limitations

One limitation of this experiment is the use of a single radius ( ${R}$ ) for all angles of elevation. In a real-world scenario, the radius would likely vary, which would affect the calculated heights. Another limitation is the use of a single angle of elevation (30°, 45°, and 60°) for the experiment. In a real-world scenario, multiple angles of elevation would be used to ensure accurate results.

Future Improvements

To improve the experiment, it is recommended to use multiple radii ( ${R}$ ) and angles of elevation. Additionally, the use of a more precise method for measuring the radius and angle of elevation would improve the accuracy of the results.

Q: What is the formula for calculating the angular height (h)?

A: The formula for calculating the angular height (h) is given by: ${h = R(1 - \cos \theta)}$ , where ${R}$ is the radius of the circle and ${\theta}$ is the angle of elevation.

Q: What is the best experimental value for the angular height (h)?

A: The best experimental value for the angular height (h) is 3.36 cm, which is the average of the calculated heights for the given angles of elevation.

Q: What is the expected uncertainty ( ${\delta h}$ ) for the angular height (h)?

A: The expected uncertainty ( ${\delta h}$ ) for the angular height (h) is 1.89 cm, which is the standard deviation of the calculated heights.

Q: Why is it important to determine the best experimental value for the angular height (h) and the expected uncertainty ( ${\delta h}$ )?

A: Determining the best experimental value for the angular height (h) and the expected uncertainty ( ${\delta h}$ ) is crucial for accurate data analysis and interpretation. It helps to ensure that the results are reliable and can be used to make informed decisions.

Q: What are some limitations of this experiment?

A: Some limitations of this experiment include the use of a single radius ( ${R}$ ) for all angles of elevation and the use of a single angle of elevation (30°, 45°, and 60°) for the experiment.

Q: How can the experiment be improved?

A: The experiment can be improved by using multiple radii ( ${R}$ ) and angles of elevation. Additionally, the use of a more precise method for measuring the radius and angle of elevation would improve the accuracy of the results.

Q: What is the significance of the standard deviation of the calculated heights?

A: The standard deviation of the calculated heights is used to determine the expected uncertainty ( ${\delta h}$ ) for the angular height (h). It provides a measure of the spread of the calculated heights and helps to estimate the uncertainty of the results.

Q: Can the results of this experiment be applied to real-world scenarios?

A: While the results of this experiment are based on a simplified model, they can be applied to real-world scenarios with some modifications. However, it is essential to consider the limitations of the experiment and the assumptions made when interpreting the results.

Q: What are some potential applications of this experiment?

A: Some potential applications of this experiment include:

Calculating the height of objects above the ground
Determining the angle of elevation for a given height
Understanding the relationship between the radius and angle of elevation
Developing more accurate models for calculating the angular height

Q: How can the results of this experiment be used to inform decision-making?

A: The results of this experiment can be used to inform decision-making by providing a reliable and accurate estimate of the angular height (h) and the expected uncertainty ( ${\delta h}$ ). This information can be used to make informed decisions in fields such as engineering, architecture, and physics.