Systematic Errors (DONE)

Question 1

What is meant by the term “systematic error”?

Answer 1

A systematic error is when the results differ from the true value by a consistent amount for each reading.

eg. these errors sometimes refer to broken equipment. Or things like using a different concentration of acid by accident.

Question 2

What is considered an accurate measurement in science?

Answer 2

An accurate measurement in science is considered to be one close to the true value.

Question 3

What is a zero error?

Answer 3

A zero error is when a piece of equipment gives a reading other than zero when it should be zero.

eg. broken thermometer starting at 10°C, top pan balance starting at 1kg

Question 4

Can we reduce systematic errors by doing simple repeats like we do for random errors? Why?

Answer 4

We cannot reduce systematic errors by doing simple repeats of experiments because if it is a broken piece of equipment or the wrong type of acid we are using it will continue to give us wrong resuts.

Question 5

What must we do if we suspect a systematic error?

Answer 5

If we suspect a systematic error, then we have to do the experiment again using a different technique or using different equipment.

We can then compare these results with our original ones to see if a systematic error had occurred.