Error Analysis

Define Error Analysis

propices of evaluating uncertainty associated with a measurement result

Define Precision

degree of consistency between measurements of same quantity under the same conditions

Define Accuracy

closeness of agreement between a measured value and a true or accepted value

Experimental Errors

• result in the difference between the recorded value and generally accepted or literature value

• Can either be Random or Systematic

What are Systematic Uncertainties?

• reproducible inaccuracies that cause measurements to be consistently too high or too low

• ex. poor calibration, poor design/procedure, variables incorrectly assumed to be negligible

• reduced with regularly checked/calibrated equipment

• CANNOT be fixed with more trials

• Usually associated with accuracy

What is Random/Human Error?

error caused by incorrect use/reading of instruments or protocols

• affects precision

How do we fix Random/Human Error?

1. reading and understanding lab procedures

2. repeated trials

What are Significant Figures?

• digits up to and including the first uncertain value are significant

• value and uncertainty should have the same # of decimal places

• uncertainty is