In the determination of Young’s modulus (Y=4 MLgπl d2) by using Searle’s method, a wire of length L=2m and diameter d=0.5mm is used. For a load M=2.5kg, an extension l=0.25mm in the length of the wire is observed. Quantities d and l are measured using a screw gauge and a micrometer, respectively. They have the same pitch of 0.5mm. The number of divisions on their circular scale is 100. The contributions to the maximum probable error of the Y measurement is:
Due to the errors in the measurement of d and l are the same
From the formula for Young's modulus,
ΔYY=Δll+2Δdd
Here both screw gauge and micrometer used have same least count and hence the maximum probable error in the measurement of l and d will be same i.e., Δl=Δd=Δx
The error contribution to measured Y from error in d is ed=2Δdd=2Δx0.5=Δx0.25
The error contribution to measured Y from error in l is el=Δll=Δx0.25