In: Physics
What might cause a larger than expected (given the accuracy of the measuring device) uncertainty on an object's diameter measurment? Do you believe this owuld significantly affect the estimate of pi? An error that always leads to a measurment in one diraction (too big, or too small) is termed a systematic error.
Several possibilities are possible
1. The accuracy of the measurement device is given, but there could be a constant error in the measurement device.
2. Extrenal condition can cause such an effect. Say the measurements tahen with a metallic device on a hot day can vary from those taken on a cold day. This is an example of a systematic error as the measurements of the hot day will always be lesser than the measuremetns taken on the cold day.
Effect on value of Pi
Pi is the ratio of circuference to the diameter. If the errors are proportional in nature, then it wouldn't have any effect on the estimated value of pi as the errors cancel out. Example: measuring the circumference and diameter of a mettallic object on a hot day with a non-metallic instrument.
Example of errors not cancelling out - measuring the circumference by a non metallic device, say a thread, and a wooden scale, and measuring the diameter by a metallic instrument on a hot day.