Define accuracy.
The degree to which a measurement is close to the true value.
Define precision.
The degree to which repeated measurements yield the same result.
True or false: Accuracy and precision are the same.
FALSE
Accuracy refers to closeness to the true value, while precision refers to consistency.
Fill in the blank: A precise measurement has _______ variability.
low
What is an example of high accuracy?
A measurement that is very close to the actual value.
What is an example of high precision?
Multiple measurements that are very close to each other but not necessarily accurate.
True or false: Systematic errors affect accuracy.
TRUE
Systematic errors consistently skew results away from the true value.
Fill in the blank: Random errors affect _______ but not accuracy.
precision
What does a calibration process ensure?
It ensures that measuring instruments provide accurate results.
True or false: A measurement can be precise but not accurate.
TRUE
This occurs when measurements are consistent but far from the true value.
Fill in the blank: The mean of a set of measurements indicates the _______.
average value
What is the standard deviation used for?
To quantify the amount of variation or dispersion in a set of measurements.
Define systematic error.
An error that consistently skews results in a specific direction.
What is a bias in measurements?
A systematic error that leads to consistently inaccurate results.
Fill in the blank: Repeatability measures precision under _______.
the same conditions
What is reproducibility?
The ability to obtain consistent results across different conditions or experiments.
True or false: Precision is more important than accuracy in all scientific measurements.
FALSE
Both accuracy and precision are important, depending on the context.
What is a measurement uncertainty?
An estimate of the doubt about the result of a measurement.
Fill in the blank: Significant figures reflect the _______ of a measurement.
precision
What is the difference between absolute and relative error?
Absolute error measures the difference from the true value; relative error compares it to the true value.
