The Importance of Measurement Data Spacing

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

T. M. Seixas (Author) FCUP; M. A. Salgueiro da Silva (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: PHYSICS TEACHER

Vol. 53

Pages: 356-357

ISSN: 0031-921X

Publisher: American Institute of Physics

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scopus - 1 Citation

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Physical sciences

CORDIS: Physical sciences > Physics > Metrology

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00J-YE2

DOI: 10.1119/1.4928351

Abstract (EN): When conducting experiments involving the measurement of physically related quantities, choosing an appropriate spacing for the experimental independent variable is a crucial procedure whose consequences may go beyond data graphical visualization. This is particularly true if the measured quantities are nonlinearly related and experimental errors are nonuniform. In this work, we show that measurement procedures should provide a higher density of data points in the range where experimental errors are larger, to more effectively average out random errors and thus mitigate accuracy errors in parameter determination. Knowing the effective experimental independent variable helps defining an adequate data spacing.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific