Errors and Uncertainties Flashcards
1
Q
What is a random error?
A
An error that occurs due to unexpected changes during an experiment. These cannot be predicted and can cause repeated results to differ from one another.
2
Q
What is a systematic error?
A
A consistent error which causes which causes readings to be larger or smaller that the accepted value.
3
Q
Define accuracy
A
A measure of how far away a mean is from the expected value.
This can be improved by reducing or eleminating systematic errors.
4
Q
Define precision
A
A measure of close repeated measurements are from each other.
Precision is affected by random errors.
