Practical Skills

Question 1

What is uncertainty and how do you find it in a reading?

Answer 1

To calculate the uncertainty of a reading, determine the instrument’s smallest division and take half of it. If you have multiple readings, calculate the range and divide by two

Question 2

What is a reading?

Answer 2

`

Question 3

What is random error?

Answer 3

a random error is an unpredictable variation in measurements that causes values to be spread around the true value

Question 4

]What is a systematic error?

Answer 4

are consistently skewed measurement errors that deviate from the true value by a fixed amount.

Question 5

How do you reduce random errors?

Answer 5

Repeat measurements: Taking multiple readings and averaging them can help cancel out random variations.
Control environmental conditions: Maintaining stable conditions can minimize the impact of environmental factors.
Improve experimental techniques: Careful calibration and proper use of instruments can reduce errors.

Question 6

How do you reduce systematic errors?