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Introduction to uncertainties
What is uncertainty?
When taking physical measurements it is impossible to get an exact value. How close you can get to an exact value depends on how the measurement is taken and the measuring equipment used. Because of this, measurements have an uncertainty associated with them.
Why are uncertainties important?
It is important to have an idea of the uncertainties associated with measurements when you are using them to calculate other things.
For example, if you are attempting to fire artillery at the enemy, you need to calculate how far away the shell will land – the range. There will be an uncertainty associated with this range. If the range has an uncertainty of ± 100 m, you will need to make sure that you aim at least 100 m away from friendly troops.
For example, if you are attempting to fire artillery at the enemy, you need to calculate how far away the shell will land – the range. There will be an uncertainty associated with this range. If the range has an uncertainty of ± 100 m, you will need to make sure that you aim at least 100 m away from friendly troops.