Types Of Error And Resolution Flashcards
What is Random Error?
Unpredictable differences caused by things like human error in measuring. E.g ruler, not always on the millimetre so have to round so not always perfect.
How do you reduce the effect of random errors
Repeat readings and find the mean. Make results more precise.
What is a systematic error
If a measurement is wrong by the same amount ever time. Calculating the mean won’t correct this kind of error. E.g measuring with a ruler at the end and not at 0 - results are too small.
What is a zero error
A systematic error that is caused by equipment that isn’t zeroed properly. E.g if a balance always reads 1 gram before anything on it then the results will be 1 gram too heavy.
How do you compensate for systematic errors if you know about them
If mass balance is always one gram too big then just take one off every result.
What do you do with an anomaly
Work out what happened and ignore when processing results.
What is resolution in science?
the smallest change in a quantity that gives a change in the reading that can be seen. A thermometer with a mark at every 1.0°C has a resolution of 1.0°C. It has a higher resolution than a thermometer with a mark at every 2.0°C.
