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Distinguishability (t') homework

20 viewsAdded 2026-07-02Updated 2026-07-02v1: This is the latest version.

Overview

Summary

Students learn about quantitatively comparing uncertain measurements through simple Colab programming.

Description

This homework assignment introduces students to ideas about quantitatively comparing two uncertain measurements. The tutorial leverages worked-examples to introduce students to how to calculate the t' index and explores how to interpret this quantity in the context of experimental measurements. Students respond to questions in Markdown and run (and edit) Python Code Cells to view distributions and calculate quantities.

Student Learning Objectives

Students should be able to compare pairs of measurements by determining the degree to which uncertain measurements are statistically distinguishable.

Lab Profile

Experimentation Goals

These experimentation goals are most strongly represented in the explicit learning goals described above:

Compare Data DistributionsCompare Uncertain Measurements

Student Decision Making

In this lab, students have the opportunity to:

None

Discovery

Determine results previously known to:

No One

Instructor Guide

Duration

30 minutes

Equipment Required

No Equipment Needed

Implementation Tips

This works as a brief homework assignment or a pre-cursor to a lab activity. It is written in the context of a pendulum activity.

How This Fits in Your Course

This is a great second homework for a course following instruction about quantifying sources of uncertainty. 

Files & Links (2)

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📄

Tutorial 2_ Distinguishability.ipynb - Colab.pdf

HomeworkPre-lab Assignment203 KB

PDF of Colab-based Homework tutorial about quantitatively comparing uncertain measurements with t'

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📄

Tutorial 2_ Distinguishability.ipynb

17 KB

Colab-based Homework tutorial about quantitatively comparing uncertain measurements with t'

Download

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Authors

NH

Natasha Holmes

Physics Topics

Classical Mechanics

Course Level

Introductory

Student Population

Physics MajorsEngineering Majors

License

CC BY-NC-SA

Attribution, Non-Commercial, Share Alike. Others can share and adapt for non-commercial purposes, must attribute and share with the same license.

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