Time for 20 oscillations of a pendulum is measured as t1= 39.6 s; t2=

1.	Time for 20 oscillations of a pendulum is measured as t1= 39.6 s; t2= 39.9 s; t3= 39.5 s. What is the precision in the measurements? What is the accuracy of the measurement?
Answer» (a) Precision is given by the least count of the instrument. For 20 oscillations, precision = 0.1 s For 1 oscillation, precision = 0.005 s. (b) Average time t = (39.6 + 39.9 + 39.5/3)s = 39.6s period = 39.6/20 = 1.98 s Max. observed error = (1.995 - 1.980)s = 0.015s

Time for 20 oscillations of a pendulum is measured as t1= 39.6 s; t2= 39.9 s; t3= 39.5 s. What is the precision in the measurements? What is the accuracy of the measurement?

Answer»

(a) Precision is given by the least count of the instrument.

For 20 oscillations, precision = 0.1 s

For 1 oscillation, precision = 0.005 s.

(b) Average time t = (39.6 + 39.9 + 39.5/3)s = 39.6s

period = 39.6/20 = 1.98 s

Max. observed error = (1.995 - 1.980)s = 0.015s