General Practice Flashcards
1
Q
Uncertainty
A
Any time a physical quantity is measured there is uncertainty linked to the measurement
2
Q
Experimental Technique
A
Not using equipment appropriately
- random error
- systematic error
3
Q
Random Error
A
Cause uncertainties either side of the true value
- human reaction time
- parallax error on analogue scales
4
Q
Systematic Error
A
Cause uncertainties on one side of the true value
- first 3cm of ruler are broken off
5
Q
Precision of Instrument
A
Smaller units are more precise and cause less uncertainty
- mm on ruler
- more decimal places on electronic balance
6
Q
Percentage Uncertainty
A
Improving experimental technique and high precision equipment achieves small percentage uncertainties
