Question

Which factors could be potential sources of error in the experiment? Check all that apply.

energy lost in the lever due to friction
color of the soda bottle used in the experiment
visual estimation of height of the beanbag
temperature of the lab at the time of the experiment
position of the fulcrum for the lever affecting transfer of energy

Answer 1

Select the applicable sources of error:

- ✓ energy lost in the lever due to friction — friction dissipates mechanical energy, causing systematic loss.
- ✗ color of the soda bottle used in the experiment — color does not affect the mechanical measurements here (unless you have an unusual reason it changes heating/optics).
- ✓ visual estimation of height of the beanbag — human/measurement error (parallax, poor resolution) can introduce significant uncertainty.
- ✓ temperature of the lab at the time of the experiment — can alter air density/viscosity and material properties (slight effects on drag, elasticity, friction).
- ✓ position of the fulcrum for the lever affecting transfer of energy — small changes in fulcrum position change mechanical advantage and energy transfer, introducing error.