A report states: "Measurement A gives and measurement B gives

PHYSICS · Multi-part · Fermi University Physics · Scientific Practice & Experimental Methods · Data analysis and model fitting in the laboratory · Data analysis and model fitting in the laboratory

Measurement and Method, Ch Do two results agree? Comparison, consistency and outliers

Problem

A report states: "Measurement A gives

R_{\rm A} = 12.00 \pm 0.05\,\Omega

and measurement B gives

R_{\rm B} = 12.12 \pm 0.05\,\Omega

, both standard uncertainties. Since the one-standard-uncertainty intervals,

11.95

–

12.05\,\Omega

and

12.07

–

12.17\,\Omega

, do not overlap, the two measurements disagree." ((a)) Calculate the consistency ratio

z

for

R_{\rm A}

and

R_{\rm B}

. ((b)) Find the error in the reasoning quoted above and state the correct verdict.

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