The uncertainty in physical measurements: an introduction to data analysis in the physics laboratory

The pedagogical goal is to introduce the treatment of uncertainty in a phenomenological way, based on examples taken from laboratory experience and distinguishing the different causes of uncertainty (there is more than just random errors and Gaussian distributions to consider in laboratory practice). This approach naturally leads to the idea of limiting distributions and the necessity of a probabilistic treatment. Only then is probability theory introduced in a formal way (Part 2) and data analysis procedures are developed on the basis of probability and statistics (Part 3). Examples taken from laboratory experiencefacilitate the understanding of the concepts of Part 2 and 3. Some heavy demonstrations and some mathematical complements are grouped in one Appendix. Contains an up-to-date introduction to uncertainty in measurements, based on a comprehensive analysis of its possible different clauses Contains mathematical topics, important for many laboratory courses, which are not thoroughly discussed in competing works The figures and worked examples are taken from real laboratory practice and will highlight strengths and limitations of statistical methods INDICE: Measurements and uncertainty.- Physical quantites.- Measurement units.- Measuring instruments.- Uncertainty in direct measurements.- Probabilityand statistics.- Basic probability concepts.- Distributions of random variables.- Statistical tools.- Data analysis.- Uncertainty in indirect measurements.- Confidence levels.- Correlation of physical quantities.- Tests.- Appendices.- Systems of units.- Tables.- Representation of experimental data.- Mathematical complements.- General references.

• ISBN: 978-0-387-78649-0
• Editorial: Springer
• Encuadernacion: Rústica
• Páginas: 305
• Fecha Publicación: 01/07/2008
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés