Energy and Kinematic Experiments: Sources of Errors - Assignment Example

One procedure during the experiment involves measuring the horizontal distance traveled by the block after being released from the top of the inclined plane. In this context, there were possibilities of parallax error. Parallax error results from the distance between the observer’s eye and the measuring scale. Parallax error occurs whenever the observer’s eye fails to squarely align with the scale.

Therefore, there is a possibility of parallax error when measuring the distance ‘x’ traveled by the block. Stop Watch Systematic errors usually occur whenever observation features as one procedure used in collecting experimental data. Technically, it is almost impossible to start and stop the watch at precisely the ideal moment in time throughout the experiment. Concerning the experiment, stopwatch error may have affected all five entries of time. In this regard, it will be accounted for as a constant systematic error throughout the experiment.

Instrument ResolutionTypical instruments like rulers will not lack resolution errors. In the energy and kinematic experiment, values obtained for distance ‘x’ contains instrument resolution errors. The ruler used had a finite scale, thus limiting the ability to precisely obtain small measurements. Conventionally, electronic meters would measure slight adjustments in the distance (Arlene 41). However, the precision and resolution of rulers are limited by the finite scale, and cannot measure fractions of a millimeter.

Physical Variations: Using the different sides of the block physics experiments, the precision of procedures is important in ensuring the accuracy of the data obtained. For repetitive procedures, changing a physical aspect like reversing one side of the block will cause a substantial error in reproducibility. When combined with other errors, physical variations cause considerable imprecision of empirical values. ConclusionIn conclusion, it is undeniable that numerous types of errors are responsible for any deviation between experimental findings and theoretical predictions.

Acknowledging and analyzing these errors not only helps in explaining the deviation but also enhances learning and experience for future experiments.