Measurements and Their Errors

Question 1

Accuracy

Answer 1

A measure of how close a measurement is to the true value

Question 2

Random error

Answer 2

Unpredictable variation between measurements that leads to a
spread of values about the true value. Random error can be reduced by taking
repeat measurements.

Question 2

Precision

Answer 2

A measure of how close a measurement is to the mean value. It only
gives an indication of the magnitude of random errors, not how close data is to the
true value.

Question 3

Systematic error

Answer 3

Causes all readings to differ from the true value by a fixed
amount. Systematic error cannot be corrected by repeat readings, instead a
different technique or apparatus should be used

Question 4

Repeatable

Answer 4

The same experimenter can repeat a measurement using the same
method and equipment and obtain the same value

Question 5

Reproducible

Answer 5

An experiment can be repeated by a different experimenter using
a different method and different apparatus, and still obtain the same results.

Question 6

Resolution

Answer 6

The smallest change in a quantity that causes a visible change in the
reading that a measuring instrument records.

Question 7

Uncertainty

Answer 7

The interval that a value is said to lie within, with a given level of confidence.