General Science Flashcards
What is an error?
The difference between the measured value and the real/expected value. The error on multiple measurements can be used to calculate the uncertainty in a dataset.
Name three types of error and how they would occur
Random error:
- Noise in a system
- Human observation error: measurements
- Resolution
Systematic:
- Instrumental: flawed instruments like a worn-out ruler
- Parallax: viewing angle would be wrong by the same amount every time
- Environmental: external surroundings like background radiation can alter results
Blunder:
- Errors caused by carelessness
What is meant by a ‘clean room’?
A controlled environment that filters pollutants like dust, airborne microbes, and other particulates so that the area is well isolated and controlled from contamination. PPE is required to enter a clean room.
What is ionisation?
The process by which an atom or molecule gains or loses an electron, causing it to acquire a positive or negative charge. In the case of ionising radiation this is the loss of electrons.
If genetic testing gives us information on what diseases and treatments are more likely to affect a patient, what is the benefit for the NHS and the patient
- Highlights risk factors
- Shows who is at risk so allows for those people to be regularly checked for signs of a disease
- Can provide care and medication at an earlier stage
- Patient has a reduced risk of developing disease
- NHS saves lives and money due to early diagnoses: palliative care is very expensive (which is why the NHS budget is higher for it)
- Recently in the news: genetic links to Alzheimer’s
What is the difference between accuracy and precision?
If a device is precise but inaccurate then how can the results be made more reliable?
Calibration
If a clinical parameter was measured and was speculated that it was affected with age, how would you go about investigating it?
Complete a trial using groups of subjects from different age categories to see how the proportion of people with the disease changes with age. This is better than using one group and seeing how the proportion changes with age because that would take too long.
How do cats eyes (the animal) glow in the dark, why is this good for them?
Reflection
Could you lift an elephant with ‘x’ He balloons?
F = m x g (downwards force)
F = density x g x volume (upwards force)
How much genetic material (%) do a cousin/grandma share?
What would you need to consider for a manned mission to Mars? What would the difficulties be for living there?
