Measurement + Uncertainty (topic 1)

Question 1

Accurate

Answer 1

Small systematic error (close to ‘real’ value). Everything off by an amount. More experiments won’t help. You need to recalibrate.

Question 2

Precise

Answer 2

Small random error (close to each other). Data points don’t match others. More experiments will help.

Question 3

Largest / smallest method (calculating uncertainties)

Answer 3

Find the largest value you have, find the smallest value you have

**uncertainty = (largest - smallest) / 2

Question 4

Absolute uncertainty

Answer 4

± Δ a

Question 5

Fractional uncertainty

Answer 5

Δ a / a

Question 6

Percentage uncertainty

Answer 6

(Δ a / a) * 100

**If you have things multiplied or divide, add up all the % uncertainties