Uncertainty, Accuracy and Precision

Flashcards covering the definitions and procedural requirements for achieving accuracy and precision in General Physics 1.

Accuracy

How close a measurement comes to its true value or the closeness of a set of measures to a standard value.

Precision

How close a series of measurements of the same thing are to each other.

Uncertainty

The result of imperfections in measurement results, often influenced by the environment where tests and calibrations are performed.

Grace Murray Hopper

The individual quoted as saying, "One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions."

Environmental Factors

Variables such as temperature, humidity, pressure, gravity, elevation, vibration, stress, strain, and lighting that can impact measurement results.

Calibration

The process of adjusting equipment, which should be performed to ensure accurate and precise measurements.

Line of view

The positioning of the eye such that it is perpendicular to the scale being read, such as when using a graduated cylinder.

Elastic limit

The threshold beyond which a spring should not be loaded to ensure proper measurement.

Inaccurate results

Results that are not close to the truth, often caused by bad equipment, poor data processing, or human error.

Imprecise measurements

Measurements that do not properly identify random errors and can yield a widespread result.