Propagating Uncertainties

Question 1

Appreciate the distinction between accuracy and reliablility

Answer 1

• Accuracy refers to how close a measured value is to the true or accpeted value - a measurement is accurate if it has minimal systematic errors
• Reliability is the consistency and repeatability of measurements - a reliable measurement provides consistent results upon repeated trials

Question 2

Understand what is meant by and identify the resolution of a measuring instrument

Answer 2

• It is the smallest change in the quantity being measured that can be detected by the measuring instrument

Question 3

Appreciate the difference and relationship between percentage and absolute uncertainties