Measurements and Their Errors Flashcards
Define Accuracy?
A result is deemed accurate if close to the true value
What the Measurement Error?
The difference between a measured value and true value
What is an Anomoly?
A value or result which are not part of the variation caused by random uncertainty
How does Random Error affect results?
It causes readings to be spread about the true value, due to results varying in an unpredictable way from one measurement to another.
How can the effect of Random Error be reduced?
By making more measurements and taking a mean average
What does Systematic Error do to results?
Causes them to differ from the true value by a consistant amount.
What can cause a Systematic Error?
Faulty Equipment
Poorly Calibrated Equipment
Enviromental Impact
How can the effect of Systematic Errors be reduced?
They can’t be
What should be done if Systematic Error is suspected?
The experiment should be repeated using a different technique or different equipment, and the results compared
What is a Zero Error?
When a measuring system doesn’t measure zero when the true value is zero
What can Zero Error create?
Systematic Error
What is Precision?
When measurements have little spread around the mean value.
the size of the range
Are Precise results Accurate?
Not necessarily, as precision doesn’t have relation to the true value.
(The results could be close togther but far from the true value)
If an experiment is Repeatable, what does it mean?
The experiment can be repeated by the same person and same equipment, with the same results being achived
If an experiment is Reproducable, what does it mean?
The investigation can be repeated by a diferent person with different equipment and methods and the results are the same.
