Practical and Investigate Skills Flashcards
What is one way a random error can occur?
If control variables aren’t exactly the same each time you carry out the experiment.
Do random errors affect accuracy or precision?
Precision.
What is the effect of random errors?
They cause readings to spread about the true value due to results varying in an unpredictable way.
What is the bad thing about random errors?
No matter how much you try, you can’t correct them because they are caused by results varying in an unpredictable way.
How often do random errors occur?
They occur in every measurement, to different extents each time.
What do systematic errors cause?
They cause results to be different from the true value each time (they shift all your results).
Do systematic errors affect precision or accuracy?
Accuracy.
How are systematic errors caused?
By the environment, the apparatus you’re using or your experimental method.
What is the bad thing about systematic errors?
You don’t usually know they are there, and must spot them before correcting them.
If you suspect/spot a systematic error, what should you do?
Change your apparatus or experimental technique and compare your results.
What are the two types of errors that cause experimental uncertainties?
Random errors and systematic errors.
