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Physics Errors

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Physics Errors

Uploaded by

angelosomthing
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Physics: Errors and Uncertainties

Objectives:

• Understand the concept of error: The difference between a measured value and
the true value of a physical quantity.

• Identify when errors occur: In any measurement process, errors are inevitable due
to various factors.

• Learn strategies to minimize errors: Proper techniques and understanding


uncertainties can improve measurement accuracy.

Error: The Inevitable Companion of Measurement

Every measurement we take carries some degree of uncertainty. This is because no


measuring instrument is perfect, and even the most careful experimenter can introduce
errors.

• When do errors occur? Errors can occur due to:

o Instrument limitations: The smallest scale division on a ruler or the inherent


variability of an electronic sensor.

o Environmental factors: Fluctuations in temperature, humidity, or even


vibrations can affect measurements.

o Human limitations: Reading a scale from an angle (parallax error),


misinterpreting data, or simply making mistakes.

Types of Errors

• Random Errors: These are unpredictable fluctuations in measurements. They arise


from various sources and can be positive or negative. Taking multiple readings and
averaging them helps to reduce the impact of random errors.

• Systematic Errors: These errors are consistent and shift all measurements in the
same direction. They can be caused by miscalibrated instruments, flawed
experimental setups, or even the observer's bias. Identifying and correcting
systematic errors is crucial for accurate results.

Examples of Errors

• Parallax error: Reading a measurement from an angle, leading to an incorrect


value.
• Zero error: An instrument not reading zero when it should (e.g., a balance showing a
non-zero value when empty).

• Calibration error: An instrument's scale not being accurately aligned with the true
values.

Accuracy vs. Precision

• Accuracy: How close a measurement is to the true or accepted value.

• Precision: How close repeated measurements of the same quantity are to each
other.

It's possible to have high precision (consistent results) without high accuracy (results close
to the true value). Think of a dartboard: a tight cluster of darts far from the bullseye is
precise but not accurate.

Reporting Measurements

• Single Measurement: Report the measured value along with its absolute
uncertainty. For example, a length might be reported as 25.3 cm ± 0.1 cm.

• Absolute Uncertainty: This indicates the range within which the true value is likely
to fall. For analog instruments, it's usually half the smallest division; for digital
instruments, it's the smallest scale division.

Reducing Errors

• Multiple readings: Take several measurements and average them to minimize


random errors.

• Careful technique: Follow proper procedures to avoid parallax errors and other
mistakes.

• Calibration: Ensure instruments are properly calibrated to eliminate systematic


errors.

• Understanding limitations: Be aware of the inherent limitations of your


instruments and techniques.

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