WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR EXAM 1

You must know:

1.  How to calculate the standard deviation when given a set of numerical data and how to report the answer using the correct number of significant figures and decimals.

2.  How to determine whether a particular value represents accuracy or precision.

3.  How many significant figures and how many decimals are contained in a series of numbers.

4.  How to propagate the uncertainties in the sample problems I handed out in class.  You may use either the "Simple Rules" or the

      Calculus Method.  Both methods are spelled out in "Meaningful Measurements and Their Analysis" at the front of your manual. 

      One of the problems in my handout (possibly, but not necessarily, simplified and definitely with numbers changed) will appear on the exam.

5.  How to calculate percent uncertainty.

6.  How to calculate percent difference.  (Order in which the terms appear counts.)

7.  How to determine whether an experimental answer is in agreement with an accepted answer within experimental uncertainty

      using both methods we have used in answering questions:

        a.  Comparing percent uncertainty and the absolute value of percent difference; and

        b.  Showing whether the ranges of two values overlap.

You will get most of the credit for a given problem by writing down the correct equation, or stating the correct relationship, needed to obtain the answer.  If a question requires a number you were to obtain from an earlier problem that you could not solve, invent a number and use it to answer the question.  State clearly that you are picking a number.  In the propagation of uncertainty problem, if you correctly write down all the steps required to get the answer using variables (e.g., x, v, d, t, g, a), and then make an arithmetic mistake when you plug in the numbers, I will take off no more than 2 points.

You may ask any questions you wish during the exam.  If I answer the question, I will share the answer with everyone.