Developing practical skills in physics (16)

Question 1

Systematic error

Answer 1

is an error that affects a set of measurements in the same way each time.

Question 2

Parallax error

Answer 2

occurs when the position of an object appears to be different when viewed from different positions. This can lead to measurement errors. A mirror is often placed behind the pointer of metres so that by lining up the pointer and its image you know you are avoiding parallax.

Question 3

Random error

Answer 3

an error that affects a measurement in an unpredictable fashion.

Question 4

Accuracy

Answer 4

the accuracy of a measurement describes how close it is to the ‘true value’.

Question 5

Precision

Answer 5

is how closely a set of repeated measurements are to each other.

Question 6

Repeatability

Answer 6

is the level of consistency of a set of repeated measurements made by the same person, in the same laboratory, using the same method.

Question 7

Reproducibility

Answer 7

is the level of consistency of a set of repeated measurements made using the same method by different people in different laboratories.

Question 8

Sensitivity

Answer 8

a sensitive instrument produces a large change in output for a small change in input.

Question 9

Resolution

Answer 9

is the smallest observable change in the quantity being measured by a measuring instrument.