​ A physical quantity P is related to four observables a, b, c as P = (a^3b^2)/√(cd). The % error in the measurement of a, b, c, and d

Question

A physical quantity P is related to four observables a, b, c as P = \(\frac{a^3b^2}{\sqrt{cd}}\). The % error in the measurement of a, b, c, and d are 1%, 3%, 4%, 2% are respectively.

1. What do you mean by error in a measurement?

2. What is the % error in the measurement of P?

Answer 1

1. The result of every measurement by any measuring instrument contains some uncertainty. This uncertainty is called error.

2. 

% error in

P = 3 × 1 + 2 × 3 + 1/2 × 4 + 1/2 × 2

= 3 + 6 + 2 + 1

P = 12%