A physical quantity C is related to p, q, r and s by C = pq²/(r³√s). The percentage errors in p, q, r and s are 1%, 2%, 3% and 2% respectively. Find the percentage error in C.

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

For a quantity C = p¹q²r⁻³s⁻¹ᐟ², the maximum fractional percentage error is obtained by adding the absolute powers multiplied by the corresponding percentage errors: % error in C = 1(% error in p) + 2(% error in q) + 3(% error in r) + ½(% error in s). Therefore, = 1×1 + 2×2 + 3×3 + ½×2 = 1 + 4 + 9 + 1 = 15%. Answer: 15.