Errors Flashcards
Random error
Errors that cause variability in results, which can be minimized by taking more measurements or repeating experiments.
Systematic errors
These errors shift all readings in the same direction, often due to faulty equipment or poor calibration.
Zero error
A specific type of systematic error when an instrument doesn’t read zero when it should (e.g., a scale that doesn’t start at zero).
Human error
Mistakes in measuring, timing, or recording data
Experimental design errors
These include problems like not controlling variables properly or not repeating experiments enough to gain reliable data.
End-point Errors (Titrations):
Cause: Misjudging the exact point at which the reaction has completed (when the indicator changes color).
Example: Inaccurately determining the volume of titrant needed to neutralize a solution.
Impact: Leads to inaccurate calculations of concentration.
Concentration Errors
Cause: Errors in the preparation of solutions or inaccurate concentration of reagents.
Example: Using the wrong molarity in a reaction.
Impact: Affects reaction rates or final product yield.
Loss of Substance
Cause: Substance loss during experimental procedures such as evaporation, transfer, or heating.
Example: Losing some of a liquid while transferring from one container to another.
Impact: Affects the accuracy of measurements and results.
Incomplete Reactions:
Cause: When reactions don’t reach completion due to incorrect conditions (e.g., not enough heat or time).
Example: Not allowing sufficient time for a solid to dissolve completely in a solvent.
Impact: Incomplete data or inaccurate conclusions about the reaction.
Measurement and Calibration Errors:
Cause: Errors due to poorly calibrated equipment, such as balances, pipettes, or thermometers.
Example: Using an uncalibrated balance to measure mass or a thermometer that reads inaccurately.
Impact: Affects accuracy, leading to incorrect experimental results.
Parallax Error
Cause: Occurs when the scale is not viewed directly at eye level.
Example: Misreading the scale of a measuring instrument (e.g., a ruler or voltmeter) due to viewing from an angle.
Impact: Leads to inaccurate readings and affects data reliability.
Measurement Errors
Cause: Errors caused by the limitations of the instruments used.
Example: Using a faulty stopwatch or inaccurate ruler to measure time or distance.
Impact: Leads to both accuracy and precision issues, making results unreliable.
Friction or Air Resistance Errors:
Cause: External factors like friction or air resistance that aren’t always controlled in experiments.
Example: Not considering air resistance in experiments involving falling objects.
Impact: Affects the accuracy of experimental results, especially in motion-related experiments.
Human Reaction Time:
Cause: Delays in the experimenter’s response time can introduce errors.
Example: Delayed timing when starting or stopping a stopwatch.
Impact: Affects precision and introduces random error into results.
Calibration of Equipment:
Cause: Using equipment that is not properly calibrated.
Example: Using an uncalibrated ammeter or voltmeter to measure current or voltage.
Impact: Causes systematic errors in measurements, leading to inaccurate results.
Independant variable
a variable that is changed during an experiment.
Dependant variable
a variable that is measured or tested during an experiment. This depends on the independent variable.
Control
a variable, other than the independent variable, that could affect the dependent variable.
