For one set of results, the force acting through the string was 2.0 N. The student released the trolley three times and determined the following values for acceleration:
1.36 m/s², 1.39 m/s², 1.33 m/s²
Calculate the uncertainty in the values of acceleration.

Uncertainty in a set of measurements indicates the amount of random error and gives a range within which the true value is likely to lie. It is calculated from a set of repeat readings. 1. **Find the range:** The range is the difference between the highest and lowest measured values. Maximum value = 1.39 m/s² Minimum value = 1.33 m/s² Range = 1.39 - 1.33 = 0.06 m/s² 2. **Calculate the uncertainty:** The uncertainty is half of the range. Uncertainty = Range / 2 Uncertainty = 0.06 / 2 = 0.03 m/s² This means the best estimate for the acceleration is the mean value, plus or minus this uncertainty.