Prefixes & Uncertainties Flashcards
What prefix is used to represent x10 to the power +3 ?
kilo (k)
What prefix is used to represent x10 to the power +6 ?
Mega (M)
What prefix is used to represent x10 to the power +9 ?
Giga (G)
What prefix is used to represent x10 to the power +12 ?
Tera (T)
What prefix is used to represent x10 to the power +15 ?
Peta (P)
What prefix is used to represent x10 to the power -3 ?
Milli (m)
What prefix is used to represent x10 to the power -6 ?
Micro (μ)
What prefix is used to represent x10 to the power -9 ?
Nano (n)
What prefix is used to represent x10 to the power -12 ?
Pico (p)
What prefix is used to represent x10 to the power -15 ?
Femto (f)
What is meant by a “Percentage” uncertainty in a value?
The uncertainty in a value is given in the form of a percentage. For example : 4ms⁻¹ ± 7.5%
What is meant by an “absolute” uncertainty in a value?
The uncertainty in a value is given in the same units as the value. For example : 4 ± 0.3 ms⁻¹
What is meant by a “Random” uncertainty?
Small variations for each result, giving a range of results for each variable measurement. Can be reduced by the calculation of an average value and further calculation.
What is meant by a “Systematic” uncertainty?
All measurements affected in same way, all are either too large or too small. If the magnitude of the Error can be found, results data can be corrected accordingly.
What is meant by a “Reading” uncertainty?
Scales on measuring equipment can only show to a certain minimum accuracy. Comes in two distinct forms; Analogue and Digital.
What is the uncertainty in an “analogue” reading?
± half of the smallest unit.
What is the uncertainty in a “digital” reading?
± one of the smallest unit.
What is meant by a “Calibration” uncertainty?
The difference between the actual value of a quantity and the value indicated by the measuring instrument. Calibration errors occur because no measuring instrument is perfect.
How is the overall uncertainty in a calculated value found using percentages?
The percentage uncertainty in each variable is found, then the overall percentage is found using the appropriate relationship and applied to the final answer.
How is the overall uncertainty in a calculated value found using absolute values?
The absolute uncertainty in each variable is identified, then the overall absolute uncertainy is found using the appropriate relationship and applied to the final answer.
What is the purpose of “LINEST”?
To calculate the uncertainty in the gradient and the y-intercept of a scatter graph’s line of best fit.
