Question

In an experiment, the refractive index of glass was observed to be $1.45,1.56,1.54,1.44,1.54$ and $1.53$. Calculate relative error.

Answer 1

Mean value of measurements = $n$ = Sum of all measurements / 6 = $1.51$

Absolute error of each measurement = | measurement - mean value |

$=0.06,0.05,0.03,0.07,0.03,0.02$ (only absolute value)

Mean value of Absolute error $=\Delta n=0.043$ (arithmatic mean of above )

When you report refractive index from the experimnet , you say :$1.51+-0.043$

Relative error$=\frac{\Delta n}{n}=\frac{0.043}{1.51}=0.0285$