Topic 1 - Measurements and Uncertainties

Question 1

What is a zero error?

Answer 1

Any indication that a measuring system gives a false reading when the true value of the measured quantity is zero.

Question 2

What is a random error?

Answer 2

Statistical fluctuations/ anomalies in the measured data due to the precision limitations of the measurement device or the experimenter.

Question 3

What is a systematic error?

Answer 3

A consistent repeatable error associated with faulty equipment or a flawed experiment design.

Question 4

What is precision?

Answer 4

Precision is the quality of being exact and a measure of the degree of consistency and agreement among independent measurements of the same quantity.

Question 5

What are the 7 fundamental units

Answer 5

metres (m)
seconds (s)
kilograms (kg)
kelvin (K)
amps (A)
mole (mol)
candela (cd)

Question 6

What happens to the absolute uncertainty when two values are subtracted?

Answer 6

Their absolute uncertaintities are added to find the absolute uncertainty in the result

Question 7

When scientists carry out experiments, the results are often reported in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Outline why scientists choose to share their work in this manner.

Answer 7

Sharing work in this manner ensures the validity of the work.

Question 8

Why do scientists use models in their work?

Answer 8

Models help simulate ideas.

Models provide a simplified explanation of reality.

Models help in the development of new hypotheses.

Models help when explaining concepts.