In a lab experiment, the speed of sound is measured as 340 m/s with an uncertainty of ±2 m/s. What is the total uncertainty if the speed is used in a calculation involving division by 2?

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±1 m/s
±2 m/s
±0.5 m/s
±0.25 m/s

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Q: In a lab experiment, the speed of sound is measured as 340 m/s with an uncertainty of ±2 m/s. What is the total uncertainty if the speed is used in a calculation involving division by 2?

Solution: Total uncertainty = (2 m/s) / 2 = ±1 m/s.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Identify the measured speed of sound, which is 340 m/s.
Step 2: Identify the uncertainty in the measurement, which is ±2 m/s.
Step 3: Understand that when you use this speed in a calculation, the uncertainty also needs to be adjusted based on the operation you are performing.
Step 4: Since the calculation involves division by 2, you will divide the uncertainty by 2 as well.
Step 5: Calculate the total uncertainty: (2 m/s) / 2 = ±1 m/s.
Step 6: Conclude that the total uncertainty when the speed of sound is divided by 2 is ±1 m/s.

In a lab experiment, the speed of sound is measured as 340 m/s with an uncertainty of ±2 m/s. What is the total uncertainty if the speed is used in a calculation involving division by 2?

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