a) Systematic and random errors
a) systematic errors (including zero errors) and random errors in measurements
measurement errors create uncertainties
systematic error = caused by an incorrectly calibrated instrument or an incorrect experimental method
all measurements are affected
loss of accuracy
to reduce systematic errors → calibrate the instrument correctly or adjust the experimental method
zero error = caused by instruments giving a non-zero reading when the true value is zero
Random errors = caused by uncontrollable factors which change an instruments readings
not all measurements are affected
loss of precision
to reduce random errors → repeat measurement readings to gain an average