Errors

Question 1

What is an accurate measurement?

Answer 1

-a measurement close to the true value

Question 2

How might one read a thermometer incorrectly?
How might this affect the accuracy?

Answer 2

-not reading at eyeline (parallax error)
-it will be less accurate as it may see the value as higher or lower than its true value

Question 3

How to stop parallax error when using a thermometer?

Answer 3

-use a digital one as it will give an accurate value
-that you cannot read incorrectly

Question 4

How might there be a random error in timing something?

Answer 4

-reaction time may be slow when stopping and starting the timer

-time recorded may be lower or higher than the true value

Question 5

How does repeating an experiment make it more accurate?

Answer 5

-reduce the effect of random errors by identifying and eliminating anomalies
-to then average a more accurate value

Question 6

What is systematic error?

Answer 6

-when the results differ from the true value by a consistent amount

Question 7

What is a zero error?

Answer 7

-when a piece of equipment gives a reading other than zero when it should be zero

Question 8

How do you reduce the effect of a zero error?

Answer 8

-repeat experiment with a different technique (like adding on to or subtracting from values when recording results)
-or with different equipment