Chapter 2 - Foundations in Physics Flashcards
Define the term absolute uncertainty?
The interval that is said to lie within, with a given level of confidence.
What is an anomaly?
A data point which doesn’t fit the pattern of data. You should remove anomalies from the final results.
What are the 3 variables?
Control - Stay the same.
Independent - Change.
Dependent - Measure.
Define Precision?
A measure of how close a measurement is to the mean value. Gives a magnitude of random errors.
Define accuracy?
A measure of how close a measurement is to the true value.
What are random errors?
Unpredictable variation between measurements that leads to a spread of values about the true value. Random error can be reduced by taking multiple measurements.
Define repeatable?
The same experimenter can repeat a measurement using the same method and equipment and obtain the same value.
Define reproducible?
An experiment can be repeated by a different experimenter with a different method and apparatus, and obtain the same results.
What is resolution?
The smallest change in quantity that causes a visible change in the reading that a measuring instrument records.
What are SI units?
The standard units used in equation.
They are: Kilogram, Metres, Seconds, Amps, Kelvin, Moles.
Every other unit is derived from these.
What is the difference between Vector and Scalar quantities?
Both vector and scalar quantities show magnitude, how vector quantities have direction.
What are Systematic errors?
Causes all measurements to be different from the true value by a fixed amount. Can only be fixed by using different apparatus.
What are Zero errors?
When an instrument used for recording data isn’t set properly and is not truly zero, therefore making all the results inaccurate.
What is the Parallax effect?
When reading an analogue instrument and you aren’t truly at eye level, meaning the measurement is incorrectly interpreted.
What are the prefixes and their multiplier?
tera (T) x10^12 giga (G) x10^9 mega (M) x10^6 kilo (k) x10^3 deci (d) x 10^-1 centi (c) x10^-2 milli (m) x10-3 micro (u) x10^-6 nano (n) x10^-9 pico (p) x10-12
