Skip over navigation
Cambridge University Faculty of Mathematics NRich logo
menu search
  • Teachers expand_more
    • Early years
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • Post-16
    • Events
    • Professional development
  • Students expand_more
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • Post-16
  • Parents expand_more
    • Early Years
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • Post-16
  • Problem-Solving Schools
  • About NRICH expand_more
    • About us
    • Impact stories
    • Support us
    • Our funders
    • Contact us
  • search

Or search by topic

Number and algebra

  • The Number System and Place Value
  • Calculations and Numerical Methods
  • Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion
  • Properties of Numbers
  • Patterns, Sequences and Structure
  • Algebraic expressions, equations and formulae
  • Coordinates, Functions and Graphs

Geometry and measure

  • Angles, Polygons, and Geometrical Proof
  • 3D Geometry, Shape and Space
  • Measuring and calculating with units
  • Transformations and constructions
  • Pythagoras and Trigonometry
  • Vectors and Matrices

Probability and statistics

  • Handling, Processing and Representing Data
  • Probability

Working mathematically

  • Thinking mathematically
  • Developing positive attitudes
  • Cross-curricular contexts

Advanced mathematics

  • Decision Mathematics and Combinatorics
  • Advanced Probability and Statistics
  • Mechanics
  • Calculus

For younger learners

  • Early Years Foundation Stage

Constantly Changing

Age 14 to 16
Challenge Level Yellow starYellow star
  • Problem
  • Student Solutions
  • Teachers' Resources

The error $\Delta Z$ of the quantity $Z=\frac{A}{B}$ where $A$ and $B$ are independent satisfies $\left(\frac{\Delta Z}{Z}\right)^2 = \left(\frac{\Delta A}{A}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{\Delta B}{B}\right)^2$.

The error $\Delta Z$ of the quantity $Z=A+B$ where $A$ and $B$ are independent satisfies $(\Delta Z)^2 = (\Delta A)^2 + (\Delta B)^2$.

The error $\Delta Z$ of the quantity $Z=kA$  satisfies $(\Delta Z)^2 = (|k|\Delta A)^2 $.

 
 
The error of $r' = \frac{m_p}{m_e} = 1836.15267...$ obeys:

$$\begin{align*}\left(\frac{\Delta r'}{r'}\right)^2 &= \left(\frac{8.3\times10^{-35}}{1.67...\times10^{-27}}\right)^2 +  \left(\frac{4.5\times10^{-38}}{9.10...\times10^{-31}}\right)^2 \\&= 4.90\times^{-15}.\\\Rightarrow \Delta r' &= 1.29\times10^{-4}\end{align*}$$

Therefore, $r' = 1836.15267(13)$.

The proton/electron mass ratio, $r$, is $1836.152\, 672\, 4718(80)$. These values are consistent, as the given value for $r$ is within the error of $r'$. It appears the mass ratio is known to much greater accuracy than the individual masses. 

 

The atomic mass of oxygen-16 is 15.99491461956(16)u, and the atomic mass of hydrogen-1 is 1.00782503207(10)u. The atomic mass of a water molecule is therefore $18.0104536837(26)u = 2.99072411(15)\times10^{-26}kg$. Therefore 1 mole of water weighs (mulitplying by Avogadro's constant) $1.80105647(13)\times10^{-2}kg$.

 
The energy in the mass of a mole of water is therefore $1.61870882(11)\times10^{15}J$.
 
Suppose a cup of tea has a volume of $200$ml and we need to raise its temperature from $20^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ to $100^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$. Supposing there's no loss of energy in our heating system, the amount of energy in a mole of water could make $2.4\times10^{10}$ cups of tea!
 

You may also like

Far Horizon

An observer is on top of a lighthouse. How far from the foot of the lighthouse is the horizon that the observer can see?

Data Matching

Use your skill and judgement to match the sets of random data.

More or Less?

Are these estimates of physical quantities accurate?

  • Tech help
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Sign up to our newsletter
  • Twitter X logo

The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

University of Cambridge logo NRICH logo