1.3 Errors and uncertainties

3 of 3 objectives have lessons · 0 studied · 0 secure

Lessons

Systematic errors, random errors and zero errorsRandom errors scatter readings both ways and shrink with averaging; systematic errors, such as zero errors, shift every reading the same way and don't. 5 min, not started
Precision versus accuracyAccuracy is closeness to the true value, precision is closeness of repeated readings to each other, and a result can have either without the other. 4 min, not started
Uncertainty in sums and differencesWrite a measurement as value ± absolute uncertainty, convert to a percentage, and add absolute uncertainties whenever quantities are added or subtracted. 5 min, not started
Uncertainty in products, quotients and powersWhen quantities are multiplied or divided, add their percentage uncertainties; a power multiplies the percentage uncertainty by the power. 5 min, not started

3 objectives

What Cambridge says you should be able to do, in our words. Codes are the topic number plus the objective’s position.

1.3.1

Understand and explain how measurements are affected by random errors and by systematic errors, including zero errors.

Taught in: Precision versus accuracy, Systematic errors, random errors and zero errors · 8 questions

1.3.2

Understand how precision differs from accuracy.

Taught in: Precision versus accuracy · 5 questions

1.3.3

Assess the uncertainty in a derived quantity by simply adding the absolute uncertainties or the percentage uncertainties involved.

Taught in: Uncertainty in products, quotients and powers, Uncertainty in sums and differences · 11 questions