Accuracy in Measurements Flashcards

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  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

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Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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In science, what does it mean if a measurement is accurate?

It means the result is close to the true value.

What do scientists mean by the 'true value' of something they are measuring?

The true value is the value from a perfect test. It is the best value agreed by scientists.

How can you tell which of two measurements is more accurate?

Compare each result with the true value. The one that is closer is more accurate.

The true length of a leaf is 6.0 cm. Which result is more accurate: 5.8 cm or 5.3 cm?

5.8 cm is more accurate, because it is closer to 6.0 cm.

What is the main difference between accuracy and precision in measurements?

Accuracy tells you how close results are to the true value. Precision tells you how close the results are to each other.

Can results be precise but not accurate? Explain briefly.

Yes. The results can be close together but far from the true value.

Why does calibrating a measuring tool help accuracy?

It makes the tool give readings that are close to the true value.

Why should you check that a measuring tool reads zero before you start?

So there is no built-in error. This makes all your results more accurate.

How does repeating a measurement and taking a mean (average) help accuracy?

It reduces the effect of very high or low single results. The mean is then closer to the true value.

Why should you read the scale at eye level when you measure the volume of a liquid?

So you do not misread the scale from an angle. This helps your reading to be more accurate.