Errors and Uncertainties in Measurements

These flashcards cover key concepts related to errors and uncertainties in measurements, focusing on definitions and terms important for understanding precision and accuracy.

Precision

The smallest change in value that can be measured by an instrument or an operator; the closeness of multiple observations to one another.

Accuracy

How close a measured value is to the true value of the quantity being measured.

Systematic error

Causes readings to differ from the true value by a consistent amount each time the reading is made.

Random error

Causes readings to vary around the mean value in an unpredictable manner from one reading to another.

Zero error

When an instrument gives a non-zero reading when the true value of the quantity is zero.

Uncertainty

Estimation of the difference between a reading and the true value of the quantity being measured.

Least Count

The smallest value that a measuring instrument is capable of measuring accurately.

Absolute uncertainty

The uncertainty in a measurement expressed as a fixed quantity.

Percentage uncertainty

Expresses the absolute uncertainty as a fraction of the measured value, calculated by dividing uncertainty by the measured value and multiplying by 100%.

Vernier Calliper

A device used to measure the dimensions of an object with greater accuracy than a metre scale.

Calibrated

Adjusted or standardized to ensure accurate measurements.

Parallax error

An observation error due to the incorrect line of sight leading to inaccurate readings.

Instrumental error

Errors that arise from imperfections in measuring devices.

Significant figures

The digits in a number that carry meaningful information about its precision.

Observation error

Errors resulting from the observer's misreading or misjudgment.

Experimental error

The deviation of a measured value from the true value.