A voltmeter records a potential difference of 12.6\text{ V} across a resistor. If the perc… — JAMB UTME

A voltmeter records a potential difference of $12.6\text{ V}$ across a resistor. If the percentage error in this measurement is $5.0\%$ , what is the absolute error in the reading?

$0.63\text{ V}$ Answer
B
$0.05\text{ V}$
C
$2.52\text{ V}$
D
$6.30\text{ V}$

Answer

The absolute error in the reading is

0.63\text{ V}

The correct response is obtained by taking

5.0\%

of the measured potential difference

12.6\text{ V}

. Evaluating

\frac{5.0}{100} \times 12.6\text{ V}

yields an absolute error of

0.63\text{ V}

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the given parameters

Measured potential difference

V = 12.6\text{ V}

, Percentage error

= 5.0\%

These are the measured values provided in the problem statement.

Recall the percentage error formula

\text{Percentage Error} = \left(\frac{\text{Absolute Error}}{\text{Measured Reading}}\right) \times 100\%

This formula defines the relationship between absolute error, measured quantity, and percentage error.

Calculate the absolute error

\text{Absolute Error} = \frac{5.0 \times 12.6\text{ V}}{100} = 0.63\text{ V}

Multiplying the percentage error fraction by the measured potential difference yields the absolute uncertainty in volts.

Key Concept

Absolute Error and Percentage Error in Measurements

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