Define controlled variable
Something that must be kept constant to prevent it affecting the dependent variable
Define systematic Error
An error that follows a consistent pattern
Define zero error
An error that occurs due to the measuring instrument reading a non-zero output when there is no input
Define accuracy
How close a measurement is to the ‘true’ or accepted value
what are systematic errors
Here the problem lies with the design of the experiment or apparatus. It includes zero errors.
how do we reduce the effect of random uncertainties?
Their effect can be reduced by taking several readings and finding a mean.
how do you calculate random uncertainty
approximate random uncertainty in mean = max value − min value /no.of observation
An estimate of reading uncertainty for an analogue scale is generally taken as:
± half the least division of the scale.
An estimate of reading uncertainty for an digital scale is generally taken as:
± 1 in the least significant digit displayed.
Define precision
The smallest division in the scale of a measuring instrument/The smallest non-zero reading an instrument can take
