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Understanding Measurement Errors

This document contrasts random and systematic errors in measurement. Random errors result in measurements that vary unpredictably due to small changes in experimental conditions or measurement procedure. In contrast, systematic errors always produce measurements that are offset in the same direction by a consistent amount, examples being not taring a balance, using an improperly calibrated thermometer, or a stretched measuring tape. The key difference is that random errors vary unpredictably while systematic errors always produce measurements that are offset in one direction.

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129 views24 pages

Understanding Measurement Errors

This document contrasts random and systematic errors in measurement. Random errors result in measurements that vary unpredictably due to small changes in experimental conditions or measurement procedure. In contrast, systematic errors always produce measurements that are offset in the same direction by a consistent amount, examples being not taring a balance, using an improperly calibrated thermometer, or a stretched measuring tape. The key difference is that random errors vary unpredictably while systematic errors always produce measurements that are offset in one direction.

Uploaded by

naoi rei
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

RANDOM

VS
SYSTEMATIC ERROR
RANDOM

When weighing yourself on a


scale, you position yourself
slightly differently each time.
SYSTEMATIC

Forgetting to tare or zero a balance produces


mass measurements that are always "off" by
the same amount. An error caused by not
setting an instrument to zero prior to its use
is called an offset error.
Forgetting to tare or zero a balance produces mass measurements that are always "off" by the same amount. An error caused by not setting an instrument to zero prior to its use is called an offset error.
SYSTEMATIC

Measuring length with a metal ruler


will give a different result at a cold
temperature than at a hot temperature,
due to thermal expansion of the
material.
RANDOM

Measuring your height is


affected by minor posture
changes.
.
SYSTEMATIC

An improperly calibrated thermometer


may give accurate readings within a
certain temperature range, but become
inaccurate at higher or lower
temperatures.
RANDOM

Measuring wind velocity depends on the


height and time at which a measurement
is taken. Multiple readings must be taken
and averaged because gusts and changes
in direction affect the value
RANDOM

Measuring the mass of a sample on an


analytical balance may produce different
values as air currents affect the balance or
as water enters and leaves the specimen.
SYSTEMATIC

Measured distance is different using a


new cloth measuring tape versus an
older, stretched one. Proportional
errors of this type are called scale
SYSTEMATIC
Not reading the meniscus at eye level for a
volume measurement will always result in
an inaccurate reading. The value will be
consistently low or high, depending on
whether the reading is taken from above
or below the mark.
RANDOM

The main reasons for random error are


limitations of instruments, environmental
factors, and slight variations in procedure.
SYSTEMATIC
Typical causes of systematic error
include observational error,
imperfect instrument
calibration, and environmental
interference.

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