uncertainties Flashcards
What is the definition of uncertainty in measurements?
Uncertainty is the doubt that exists about the result of a measurement.
True or False: Uncertainty can be completely eliminated in measurements.
False
Fill in the blank: The total uncertainty can be calculated by combining __________ uncertainties.
individual
What are the two main types of uncertainty?
Random uncertainty and systematic uncertainty.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a source of random uncertainty?
A. Variations in measurement conditions.
What is the purpose of measuring uncertainty?
To provide an estimate of how much the measured value may vary from the true value.
True or False: Systematic uncertainties affect the precision of measurements.
False
What is the formula for calculating absolute uncertainty?
Absolute uncertainty = ± (value of measurement × percentage uncertainty).
Fill in the blank: The __________ is the range of values within which the true value is expected to lie.
confidence interval
Multiple Choice: Which method can be used to reduce random uncertainties?
C. Taking multiple measurements and averaging them.
What is the significance of significant figures in uncertainty?
Significant figures indicate the precision of a measurement and its uncertainty.
True or False: The uncertainty can be expressed as a percentage.
True
What is the difference between precision and accuracy?
Precision refers to the consistency of measurements, while accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true value.
Fill in the blank: Systematic uncertainties can often be traced back to __________ in the measurement process.
faults
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of systematic uncertainty?
B. A miscalibrated scale.
What is the standard deviation used for in the context of uncertainties?
It quantifies the amount of variation or dispersion in a set of values.
True or False: All measurements have some degree of uncertainty.
True
What is relative uncertainty?
Relative uncertainty is the absolute uncertainty divided by the measured value, often expressed as a percentage.
Fill in the blank: The __________ error is consistent in direction and magnitude across multiple measurements.
systematic
Multiple Choice: Which of the following statements is true about random uncertainties?
A. They can be reduced by averaging multiple measurements.
What does the term ‘error propagation’ refer to?
Error propagation refers to how uncertainties in measurements affect the uncertainty in calculated results.
True or False: The uncertainty in a calculated value can be found by simply adding the uncertainties of the individual measurements.
False
What is a common method for estimating uncertainty in repeated measurements?
Calculating the standard deviation of the measurements.
Fill in the blank: When multiplying or dividing measurements, the __________ of the uncertainties must be considered.
relative uncertainties
Multiple Choice: Which of the following represents the best practice for reporting uncertainty?
C. Report the measurement along with its associated uncertainty.
What is the effect of temperature on measurement uncertainty?
Temperature changes can affect the accuracy and precision of measurements, introducing additional uncertainties.
