Measurements and their Errors Flashcards
kilogram (kg)
SI unit for mass
metre (m)
SI unit for length
second (s)
SI unit for time
mole (mol)
SI unit for amount of substance
kelvin (K)
SI unit for temperature
ampére (A)
SI unit for electric current
tera (T)
10^12
giga (G)
10^9
mega (M)
10^6
kilo (k)
10^3
centi (c)
10^-2
milli (m)
10^-3
micro (μ)
10^-6
nano (n)
10^-9
pico (p)
10^-12
femto (f)
10^-15
random error
an error that causes readings to be spread about the true value, due to results varying in an unpredictable way from one measurement to the next
systematic error
an error that causes readings to differ from the true value by a consistent amount each time a measurement is made.
precise
all measurements are close to the mean
repeatable
the original experimenter repeats the investigation using the same method and equipment and obtains the same results
reproducible
a different experimenter repeats the investigation using the same method and equipment and obtains the same results
resolution
the smallest change in the quantity being measured that gives a perceptible change in the reading on the measuring instrument
accuracy
a result that is close to the true value.
uncertainty
an estimate of how much a measured or calculated value differs from a true value
