Key Points: 1. Measurements and Their Errors: Paper 1: Physics A Level AQA

Random error

Measurements vary due to unpredictable circumstances. They cannot be corrected and can only be mitigated by making more measurements and calculating a new mean.

Systematic error

When the original experimenter repeats the investigation using the same method and equipment and obtains the same results.

Reproducible

When somebody else repeats the investigation or the investigation is performed using different equipment or techniques and the same results are obtained.

Resolution

The smallest change in a quantity being measured that gives a perceptible change in the reading.

When adding or subtracting data with uncertainties, add the ____________.

Absolute Uncertainties

When multiplying or dividing data with uncertainties, add the ____________.

Percentage Uncertainties

When raising data with an uncertainty to a power, multiply the _____________ by that power.

Percentage Uncertainty

When multiplying data with an uncertainty by a constant, multiply the ________________ by that constant but ___________________.

Absolute uncertainty / not the percentage uncertainty