One way to measure the water content of a soil is to weigh the soil both before and after drying it in an oven. The water content is W = (M1 − M2)/M1, where M1 is the mass before drying and M2 is the mass after drying. Assume that M1 = 1.32 ± 0.01 kg and M2 = 1.04 ±0.01 kg.a) Estimate W, and find the uncertainty in the estimate.b) Which would provide a greater reduction in the uncertainty in W: reducing the uncertainty in M1 to 0.005 kg or reducing the uncertainty in M2 to 0.005 kg?

Mathematics For Machine Technology
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ISBN:9781337798310
Author:Peterson, John.
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Chapter65: Achievement Review—section Six
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 41AR: Solve these prism and cylinder exercises. Where necessary, round the answers to 2 decimal places...
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One way to measure the water content of a soil is to weigh the soil both before and after drying it in an oven. The water content is W = (M1 − M2)/M1, where M1 is the mass before drying and M2 is the mass after drying. Assume that M1 = 1.32 ± 0.01 kg and M2 = 1.04 ±0.01 kg.
a) Estimate W, and find the uncertainty in the estimate.
b) Which would provide a greater reduction in the uncertainty in W: reducing the uncertainty in M1 to 0.005 kg or reducing the uncertainty in M2 to 0.005 kg?

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