IB skill practice

Evaluate uncertainty in kinematics measurements

Paper 1, Paper 2 5 marks Difficulty 3

Percentage uncertainty in speed

A speed in a fieldwork motion sensor log is calculated from \(v=\frac{d}{t}\), with \(d=(3.2\pm0.02)\,\text{m}\) and \(t=(0.76\pm0.01)\,\text{s}\). Calculate the percentage uncertainty in speed. Enter the numerical result and choose the interpretation that matches the physics meaning.

Worked practice: physics data and result

Read the physical quantities first, then calculate the result and state what it means.