Types of Error

Question 1

What is a Random Error?

Answer 1

An errror caused by the person doing the experiment (will not repeat):

• Different person reading the instrument.
• Malfunction of apparatus.
• Parallax error (viewed from different angle).

Reduce chance of random error:
-Repeating measurements and taking the average.

Question 2

What is a Systematic Error?

Answer 2

An error caused by the system/method being used (will be repeated):

• Instrument with zero error.
• Apparatus calibrated incorrectly.

Reduce chance of random error:

• Reset apparatus.
• Minus the value off the final result. (Not necessary if finding the difference as difference is relative).