ME 154: INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROL ENGINEERING

ORODIO, TRISTAN PAUL G.

151-1223-2

1. Differentiate between accuracy and precision.

Accuracy and precision are principal element to ponder when taking
measurements. In simple terms, accuracy is the nearness or proximity of the
measurement corresponding to an exact value. On the other hand, precision
refers to how frequent a result can happen.

2. Give instances or examples where one can be:

a. Accurate and precise
To be an accurate as well as precise, the measured values must be close
to one another and also to the accepted value.

Example:
Consider the expected temperature of the engineering laboratory to
be maintained is 25°C. The mechanical engineering student measured the
temperature with three trials as shown below:

T1=24.8°C
T2=25.1°C
T3=24.9°C

The values are closer to each other and they are closer to accepted value
25°C. Thus, this measurement can be said both accurate and precise.

b. Accurate but not precise

To be an accurate and not precise, the measured values must be in the
range of accepted value but they are not closer to one another.

Example:
Consider the expected temperature of the engineering laboratory to
be maintained is 25°C. The mechanical engineering student measured the
temperature with three trials as shown below:

T1=24.2°C
T2=25.5°C
T3=24.0°C
 ME 154: INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROL ENGINEERING

The values are not closer to each other but they are closer to accepted
value 25°C. Thus, this measurement can be said accurate and but not precise.

c. Precise but not accurate

To be a precise but not accurate, the measured values must not be closer
to accepted value but they should be closer to one another.

Example:
Consider the expected temperature of the engineering laboratory to
be maintained is 25°C. The mechanical engineering student measured the
temperature with three trials as shown below:

T1=20.1°C
T2=20.2°C
T3=19.9°C

The values are closer to each other but they are not closer to accepted
value 25°C. Thus, this measurement can be said precise and but not accurate.

*If ever any of the instances is not possible, explain why.

3. Explain the importance of using significant figures in measurement.

The main purpose of significant figures is to supply and furnish the maximum
amount of detail and precision possible and at the same time, to keep away
from any erroneous or inaccurate results. It is crucial especially in the field of
science which allows scientists to determine and help pinpoint errors in any
experiments and allow them to achieve the best outcome.

4. Describe “uncertainty” in measurement and on how it can affect accuracy or

precision.
Numerical measurements are executed daily especially in the fields of
engineering and pharmaceuticals which conducts experiments examining a set
of requirements in its accuracy and precision before releasing it into the market.
Some institution may require low accuracy measurements while another may
require high accuracy. In spite of repeated experiments, there’s no such thing as
exact measurement. There is always a level of uncertainty present in those
measurements.
Consequently, the measure of true value and uncertainty is equally
important. The uncertainty refers to the filtered error in an experiment which
affects the precision and accuracy of certain outcome. Knowing the error means
there’s a room for improvements.
 ME 154: INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROL ENGINEERING

5. What is the reading of the measuring instrument below?

a. A block of wood is measured with the ruler

The measurement of the block of wood is 25.7 cm.

b. A block of wood is measured with a meter stick

The measurement of the block of wood is 31.5 inches.
 ME 154: INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROL ENGINEERING

6. Considering an analog measuring instrument, draw the following readings on

how it would look like in the measuring device. You may use any display type
or analog device to show the readings.

a. 5.173 ohms

b. 0.7685 mm