Part B: Propagation using your Station 2 measurements

Part B: Propagation using your Station 2 measurements

You measured the current through a resistor with both an analog ammeter and a digital multimeter. Now you will calculate the power dissipated in the resistor using P= I²R for each instrument and compare the results.

The resistor at your station has a labeled value and tolerance. Record both before beginning.

1. Convert the resistor tolerance to an absolute uncertainty. What is ∆R in ohms?
2. Using your digital multimeter current measurement, calculate P= I²R. Show all steps.
3. Propagate the uncertainty through your calculation — you will need Rule 2 (for I²) and Rule 1 (for multiplication by R). Show all steps.
4. Report your result in correct form and justify your rounding.
5. Now repeat steps 2–4 using your analog ammeter current measurement instead.
6. Compare your two results:
   • Do they agree within their uncertainties?
   • How does the uncertainty in the calculated power differ between the two instruments?
   • Which source of uncertainty has the greatest impact on your result — the current measurement or the resistance? How do you know?