HURDCO International School

AS Physics Lab
Calculation of Percentage Uncertainty in different experiments:
1. Percentage Uncertainty in distance(d) using mm scale:

Absolute uncertainty in y in range 2 5 mm (or half the range of repeated readings). [1]
Correct calculation to get percentage uncertainty.
Example : 9702/35/M/J/11 Q2e Page 3 of Lab manual
2. Percentage uncertainty in time(t)

Absolute uncertainty in t1 in the range 0.1 to 0.6 s [1]

If repeated readings have been taken, then the uncertainty could be half the range.
Correct calculation to get % uncertainty.
Example : 9702/33/M/J/10 Q2C Page 11 of Lab manual
3. Percentage uncertainty in angle

Absolute uncertainty in in the range 210. [1]

If repeated readings have been taken, then the uncertainty can be half the range.
Example : 9702/35/O/N/10 Q2b(iv) Page 40 of Lab manual

4. Percentage uncertainty in length using vernier calipers:

Percentage uncertainty in length. Consistent units. l = 0.1 mm [1]

If repeated readings have been taken, then the uncertainty can be half the range.
Correct ratio idea required (0.1/length 100%).
Example : 9702/31/M/J/10 Q2c(iii) Page 54 of Lab manual
5. Percentage uncertainty in thickness using screwgauge:

Percentage uncertainty in 16t. Consistent units. 16t = 0.01 mm or 0.001 mm. [1]
If repeated readings have been done then the uncertainty could be half the range.
Correct ratio idea required (0.01 or 0.001/16t x 100 %).
Example : 9702/31/M/J/08 Q2c(ii) Page 113 of Lab manual

6. Percentage uncertainty in Newton Meter (Force):

Percentage uncertainty in maximum force. [1]
0.1N Y F Y 0.4 N. If repeated readings have been done then the uncertainty could be
half the range. Correct ratio idea required (e.g. 0.2 / F 100%).

Example : 9702/32/M/J/10 Q2b(iii) Page 117 of Lab manual

Prepared by Mahboob Taleb (mahboob.taleb@gmail.com)