Unit 11: Measurement and Data Processing ; Topic 11.1 & 11.2 Uncertainty & Error Flashcards
Flashcard Main Resource: https://sites.google.com/site/ibchemistryellesmerecollege/home/topic-11---measurement-data-processing/11-1-uncertainty-error https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1bG82pSzkzmEQNXPHAPcgOogWW42Eaiy04BkBzKLV1nw/edit#slide=id.p19
Qualitative data is…
non-numerical data obtained from an experiment. These will be observations made during an experiment.
Quantitative data is…
numerical data
why do random errors arise?
due to the limitations of the measuring apparatus.
what else is random errors called?
human error
how are random errors determined?
it is determined by the experimenter’s skill or ability to perform the experiment and read scientific measurements.
what should all measurements be quoted with?
an uncertianty
what does the uncertainty indicate?
the size of the random error
what is an Analogue apparatus?
mechanical devices that indicate the magnitude of the quantity in the form of the pointer movement
when using an Analogue apparatus the uncertainty on a measurement is half of the what?
the smallest division that you take a reading to.
what is a Digital Instrument?
The instrument which represents the measured value in the form of the digital number
when using a digital instrument the uncertainty on a measurement is quoted as…
± the smallest division
what is an example of uncertainty with a reading taken with a 2-decimal place electronic balance? (digital instrument)
2.46 ± 0.01g.
if a voltmeter has an analogue scale and the smallest scale division is 1 volt, what is the uncertainty from reading this scale?
± 0.5 volts.
if a voltmeter has a digital scale that reads 13.8, What is the uncertainty from reading this scale? and how was that derived?
The uncertainty from reading this scale is ± 0.1 volts. This is because the least significant digit is the 8.
what does the effects of random uncertainties mean?
The effects of random uncertainties should mean that the measurements taken will be distributed on either side of the mean.
can random uncertainties be completely eliminated?
The random uncertainties can never be completely eliminated but the effect of random uncertainties can be reduced.
How can you reduce the effect of the random uncertainties?
by repeating the measurements more often.
what is a Systematic error?
Systematic errors are errors that affect the accuracy of a measurement.
how can a systematic error be introduced into an experiment?
A systematic error can be introduced into an experiment due to the apparatus used or the procedure.
are systematic errors are always in the same direction?
yes
how can the presence of systematic errors be identified?
by comparison with accepted literature values for quantities.
what do we use to compare the experimental value with the accepted literature value?
percentage error
what is the formula for percentage error?
= (experimental value – accepted value/accepted value) x 100