Measurement Error and Uncertainty Flashcards

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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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What is a measurement error?

A measurement error is the difference between the measured value and the true value.

What is meant by the true value of a measurement?

The true value is the value we would get if we could measure something perfectly with no errors.

What is an uncertainty in a measurement?

Uncertainty is a range of values within which the true value is likely to lie.

How do we show uncertainty when we write a result?

We write the result with a plus or minus sign, for example 5.0 cm ± 0.1 cm.

What is the resolution of a measuring instrument?

The resolution is the smallest change it can show, for example 1 mm on a ruler.

How does resolution affect uncertainty?

The uncertainty of a single reading is often about ± half the smallest scale division.

What is a random error?

A random error is a measurement error that changes in size and direction in an unpredictable way.

How do random errors show up in results?

Random errors make repeated readings spread out around the mean value.

How can you reduce the effect of random errors?

You repeat the measurements and calculate a mean value.

What is a systematic error?

A systematic error is a measurement error that is the same size or direction every time.

What is a zero error on a measuring instrument?

A zero error is a systematic error where the instrument does not read zero when it should.

Why do repeated readings not remove a systematic error?

Because the same fixed error is present in every reading, so it stays in the mean value.