46
G
ETTING
S
TARTED WITH THE
CBL 2™ S
YSTEM
© 2000, 2003 T
EXAS
I
NSTRUMENTS
I
NCORPORATED
5.
There is probably some difference between the predictions and the actual data.
This frequently happens. There are two general reasons why this occurs. Either
there are errors in the data or in the theory. In this activity we explore sources
of experimental error. List several possible sources of experimental error.
6.
One possible source of experimental error is in measuring the distance from the
tip of the light probe to the light bulb. Make several different measurements
trying to place the tip of the light probe exactly 1 meter from the light bulb.
Describe the variation in the light intensity readings.
7.
There are a number of things you can do to try to minimize this source of error.
Describe some possibilities.
8.
You can investigate the effects of errors in measuring the distance from the tip
of the light probe to the light bulb by deliberately making errors. What is the
effect of an error of 5 cm when the distance is supposed to be .5 meter?
9.
What is the effect of an error of 5 cm when the distance is supposed to be
1 meter?
10.
Another source of error is other light in the room. You can investigate the
effects of this source of error by deliberately introducing an extra light and
comparing measurements made with this extra light on and with this extra light
off. What do you observe?
11.
How can you correct for extra light in the room?
Repeat the original experiment doing everything you can to minimize
measurement error.