Error Analysis in the Introductory Physics Laboratory

Although most physics instructors agree that the analysis of error in a measurement is equally as important as the measurement itself, the matter is often neglected in the introductory laboratory. This neglect is frequently attributed to the belief that the relevant equations lie beyond the comprehension of the students. An elementary treatment of error is here presented in which it is shown that, at least in measurements involving simple functions, the propagation of error can be discussed using simple algebra. Two experiments are described as a basis for discussion.