Uncertainty Flashcards
What is uncertainty?
The estimated degree of error in a measurement
What is the formula to work out uncertainty?
Resolution / 2
What is resolution?
The smallest change in a quantity that gives a change in the reading that can be seen.
What does resolution look like and give the uncertainties.
Resolution: 0.01 0.1 0.5 1 5
Uncertainty: 0.005 0.05 0.25 0.5 2.5
What happens to the uncertainty when you use a measuring tool twice?
You have to multiply the uncertainty by 2.
E.G.
If a measuring scale with 0.5 uncertainty is used twice, then the uncertainty is 1.
You’re less certain with the measurements when it’s used twice.
What are methods of reducing uncertainty?
Use a measuring tool with a higher resolution.
Use a larger mass or concentration of the substance.
What is the formula for percentage uncertainty?
Uncertainty / Measured value of substance x 100
