Physics definitions - Practical skills

Absolute Uncertainties

​The interval that a value is said to lie within, with a given level of confidence.

Accuracy

​A measure of how close a measurement is to the true value.

Analogue Apparatus

​Measuring apparatus such as rulers, beakers and thermometers that rely on the experimenter reading off a scale to determine the measurement.

Anomalies

​Data points that don’t fit the pattern of the data. You should determine why an anomalous result has occurred before removing it. Repeat readings help remove anomalies.

Control Variables

​Variables that must remain the same throughout an experiment so as to not affect the results.

Dependent Variables

​The variable being measured in an experiment. It is dependent on the independent variable. The dependent variable should be plotted on the y-axis of a graph.

Digital Apparatus

​Measuring apparatus such as ammeters, voltmeters and digital calipers that digitally measure and display a measurement.

Fiducial Marker

​A thin marker, such as a splint, that is used to ensure readings are taken from the same place each time. They are used to improve the accuracy of measurements.

Gradient

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

Independent Variables

​The variable that is changed by the experimenter in an experiment. The independent variable should be plotted on the x-axis of a graph.

Line of Best Fit

​A line drawn on a graph to demonstrate the pattern in the plotted data points.

Percentage Uncertainties

​The uncertainty of a measurement, expressed as a percentage of the recorded value.