Uncertainties

Question 1

Types of errors

Answer 1

Systematic Errors

Reading Errors

Random Errors

Question 2

What is a systematic errors

Answer 2

These occur when all measurements are affected in the same way e.g a metre stick might have shrunk, thus giving consistenyly incorrect readinngs

Question 3

What is a reading error

Answer 3

Taking into account how accurate the measurement instrument is

Question 4

An estimate of the reading error for an analogue scale

Answer 4

+/- half the smallest division of the scale

Question 5

An estimate of the reading error for a digital scale

Answer 5

+/- 1 in the least significant digit

Question 6

What is a random error

Answer 6

Random fluctuations can affect measuremets from reading to reading. The best estimate of the true value is given by repeating the readings and calculating the mean value

Question 7

Formula for random uncertainity

Answer 7

(maximum value - minimum value)/ number of values

Question 8

What is the easiest way to compare uncertainties

Answer 8

percentage errors

Question 9

Formula for percentage error

Answer 9

(error value/actual value)*100

Question 10

What is the absolute form

Answer 10

Given in the same units as the final calculated value