Uncertainites in Mean values

Thank you, That was very helpful, I will give you rep 😀

To calculate absolute uncertainty after calculating a mean, you should find the range of the repeat readings then divide this number by 2.

To then find%uncertainty, you do this absolute value, divided by your mean, x100.

Hope that helps

Could you clarify some stuff about uncertainties for me? I'm finding some information to conflict with others...

For example, A metre ruler has a precision of 1mm, does this mean the uncertainty is ±0.01m or would it be ±0.005m?

Or if a set of scales are precise to the nearest 0.1g, would the uncertainty be ±0.1g or ±0.05g?

Could you clarify some stuff about uncertainties for me? I'm finding some information to conflict with others...

For example, A metre ruler has a precision of 1mm, does this mean the uncertainty is ±0.01m or would it be ±0.005m?

Or if a set of scales are precise to the nearest 0.1g, would the uncertainty be ±0.1g or ±0.05g?

Yupp, just to add on to the above^^

Our physics teacher told us, that unless we have a range of repeat readings/values for a certain measurement, we should use the precision of that instrument. E.g a stopclock we might be using could have 0.01s as its smallest reading, so this is the absolute uncertainty for time.

However, because of every school having slightly different equipment, some precisions, such as the precision regarding volume, will differ from school to school/ person to person, depending on which jug/measuring cylinder you have available to you. The exam board recognises this, and therefore will take this into account when you use this for your uncertainties.

Hope this helps

Yep this has cleared up the confusion! Thanks