Errors _Classifications, Accuracy, Propagation Of Errors

Question 1

Uncertainty

Answer 1

The imperfection inherent in all measurements

Question 2

Direct measurement

Answer 2

We compare a quantity directly with a primary or secondary standard

Question 3

Indirect measurement

Answer 3

When we compare a quantity to one that is not a standard

Question 4

Blunders

Answer 4

Type of error due to misreading scales, transposing figures, erroneous computations or careless experimenters

Question 5

Systematic error

Answer 5

A type of error that always occurs in onedirection only, each time the experiment is performed, and the value of the measured quantity is always higher or lower than the true value

Question 6

Random error

Answer 6

Type of errors that are usually the results of accidental and unknown combinations of causes beyond the control of the experimenter

Question 7

Precision

Answer 7

Describes how consistent results are when measurements are repeated

Question 8

Accuracy

Answer 8

Refers to the closeness of a measurement to the accepted (true) value for a specific physical quantity

Question 9

Absolute error (absolute uncertainty)

Answer 9

The actual difference between the measured value and the accepted value

Question 10

Relative error (relative uncertainty)

Answer 10

Absolute error divided by accepted error expressed as a percentage

Question 11

Propagation of errors

Answer 11

Procedure used to estimate the error for the computed quantities