Unit 3 Flashcards

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1
Q

Absolute uncertainty

A

Uncertainty given as a fixed quantity e.g. 7+-0.6V

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2
Q

calibration

A

Comparing the reading of one instrument with another of known accuracy. Making sure that a scale reads 0 before measurements are made is also an example of calibration

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3
Q

Control variable

A

Any factor that is held constant in a scientific experiment

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4
Q

Dependendent variable

A

The variable that is being measured or tested in an experiment

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5
Q

Fair test

A

One in which only the independent variable has been allowed to affect the dependent variable

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6
Q

gradient

A

The change in y-axis over the change in x-axis between two point. If the graph is curved, a tangent can be drawn to calculate the gradient at a specific point

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7
Q

Independent variable

A

The factor that is altered in a scientific experiment in order to affect the dependent variable

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8
Q

Micrometer Screw gauge

A

A tool used for very accurate measurements of distance, they have a resolution of 0.01mm, and a range of 25mm

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9
Q

Percentage uncertainty

A

Uncertainty as a percentage of the measurement

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10
Q

Random error

A

The unpredictable variation in a measurement. These can be reduced by taking many repeated measurements and calculating the mean.

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11
Q

Range of an instrument

A

The range of values that a tool can measure with its specified resolution

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12
Q

Resolution

A

The smallest change in quantity that causes a visible change in the reading that a measuring instrument records

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13
Q

Systematic error

A

Causes all the readings to differ from the true value by a fixed amount. Systematic errors cannot be corrected by repeat readings, instead a different technique or apparatus should be used.

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14
Q

Uncertainty

A

The bounds in which the accurate value can be expected to lie e.g. 20ºC +- 2ºC, the value could be between 18-22ºC

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15
Q

Variable

A

Any factors that can change or be changed

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16
Q

Vernier Calipers

A

A tool used for accurate measurements of distance. They have a resolution of 0.1mm, and a range of 300mm