Chapter 1: Measurements Flashcards
(8 cards)
What is an error?
An error is defined as the difference between an observation (either directly measured or calculated from measurements) and the true value.
What is a systematic error?
A systematic error is one that occurs according to some fixed rule or pattern such that they yield a consistent over-estimation or under-estimation of the true value of the measured quantity.
What is a random error?
A random error is one that occurs without a fixed pattern such that a set of measurements done under the same conditions have an equally likely chance of being greater or less than the true value.
Define accuracy.
Accuracy refers to how closely a measured value agrees with the true value.
Define precision.
Precision refers to how closely individual measurements agree with each other without reference to any true value.
Define uncertainty.
Uncertainty is an estimate of systematic and/or random errors inherent in the measurement or calculation.
What is a scalar quantity?
A scalar quantity is a quantity which has magnitude only.
What is a vector quantity?
A vector quantity is a quantity which has both magntiude and direction.
