3.7: Moyenne quadratique

Root Mean Square
JoVE Core
Statistics
A subscription to JoVE is required to view this content.  Sign in or start your free trial.
JoVE Core Statistics
Root Mean Square

3,235 Views

00:57 min
April 30, 2023

Overview

If in an experiment, data values have a probability of being both positive and negative, neither the arithmetic mean, the geometric mean, nor the harmonic mean can be used to calculate the central tendency of the data set. In particular, if the positive and negative values are equally likely, the arithmetic mean is close to zero.

For example, consider the velocity of gas molecules in a container. The gas molecules are moving in different directions, which might impart positive and negative values to the velocity. Hence, the average speed of all the gas molecules may get close to zero, which is not true.

One alternative, however, is to consider only the absolute values of such a quantity. Another is to calculate its root mean square. Calculating the square of each gas molecule’s speed overcomes the positive or negative signs. The square root of the sum of all the squares divided by the total number of elements is defined as the root mean square.

Calculating the root mean square is often more than just a mathematical exercise. For example, in the case of velocities of gas molecules, it can be shown that the root mean square is directly proportional to the square root of the temperature of gas molecules.

Transcript

La moyenne quadratique est utilisée lorsque l’ensemble de données a des valeurs positives et négatives ou si les données varient continuellement.

Pour calculer la racine carrée moyenne d’un ensemble de données, commencez par mettre au carré toutes les valeurs données. Ensuite, additionnez ces valeurs au carré et divisez-les par le nombre total de valeurs de données pour obtenir la moyenne arithmétique. La racine carrée de cette valeur est la racine carrée moyenne des données.

Il est important de noter que la racine carrée moyenne est toujours égale ou supérieure à la moyenne arithmétique des valeurs de données.

À l’aide d’une formule dérivée, la racine carrée moyenne peut aider à trouver la tension efficace dans les circuits CA, où la tension oscille entre des valeurs positives et négatives.

Tout d’abord, déterminez la tension de crête du circuit alternatif, puis divisez-la par la racine carrée de deux pour obtenir la valeur de la tension efficace.

Key Terms and definitions​

  • Root Mean Square - Measures central tendency considering positive, negative values.
  • Arithmetic Mean - May not apply for datasets with equi-probable positive, negative values.
  • Gas Molecule Velocity - Example illustrating need for root mean square.
  • Absolute Value Approach - Alternate method ignoring directionality of data.
  • Temperature of Gas Molecules - Root mean square of velocity proportional to square root.

Learning Objectives

  • Define Root Mean Square - Explain what it is (e.g., root mean square of gas molecule).
  • Contrast Arithmetic Mean vs. Root Mean Square - Explain key differences (e.g., mean in statistical concepts).
  • Explore Gas Molecule Velocity - Describe scenario (e.g., scientific experiment example).
  • Explain Absolute Value Approach - Explain handling of positive/negative values.
  • Apply in Temperature of Gas Molecules - Discuss in context of root mean square.

Questions that this video will help you answer

  • What is the root mean square and how it is calculated (e.g., rms method)?
  • Why can't arithmetic mean be used for certain data (e.g., harmonic mean negative numbers)?
  • What does the velocity of gas molecules demonstrate (e.g., root mean square value)?

This video is also useful for

  • Students – Understand How the root mean square supports statistical understanding
  • Educators – Provides a clear framework, helps with teaching statistics
  • Researchers – Crucial for analyzing data in scientific research
  • Physics & Chemistry Enthusiasts – Offers insights into gas dynamics and thermodynamics