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EMI_1st module_Static chara_errors

The document outlines the static characteristics of instruments, including accuracy, precision, sensitivity, resolution, and expected value, which remain constant over time. It also categorizes measurement errors into gross errors, systematic errors, and random errors, detailing their causes and how to minimize them. The document emphasizes the importance of careful measurement practices to improve accuracy and reduce errors.

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isaacsabu
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4 views

EMI_1st module_Static chara_errors

The document outlines the static characteristics of instruments, including accuracy, precision, sensitivity, resolution, and expected value, which remain constant over time. It also categorizes measurement errors into gross errors, systematic errors, and random errors, detailing their causes and how to minimize them. The document emphasizes the importance of careful measurement practices to improve accuracy and reduce errors.

Uploaded by

isaacsabu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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EMI Module I

Static Characteristics of an instrument

Static characteristics of instruments are those characteristics which does not change over time. They
remain a constant with time. Some important static characteristics are accuracy, precision, sensitivity,
expected value and resolution.

1. Accuracy

Accuracy is defined as the degree of closeness at which the instrument reading approaches the true
value of the quantity to be measured. Accuracy is expressed in the “Percentage of Full-Scale Reading” or
a percentage of true value. It is measured relative to the true value or actual value.
2. Precision
It is the degree of closeness of reading with the previous reading. It is a measure of consistency or
repeatability of readings. An instrument is said to be precise when there is negligible difference between
successive readings.
3. Sensitivity
The ratio of change in the output of an instrument to a change in the value of the quantity to be
measured is known as sensitivity.
4. Resolution

Resolution is the smallest quantity that can be detected with certainty by a measuring instrument. If
an input quantity is raised slowly, the output will not rise until some minimum changes in the input are
done. This minimum change that causes the change in output is termed as resolution.
5. Expected value

Expected value of an instrument is the value of input quantity that is expected to be measured.

Measurement errors

The errors, which occur during measurement are known as measurement errors. We can classify the
measurement errors into the following three types.

 Gross Errors
 Random Errors
 Systematic Errors

Prepared by: Najla Pary, Lr. in EL., GPC Perinthalmanna


EMI Module I

Gross Errors
The errors, which occur due to the lack of experience of the observer while taking the measurement
values are known as gross errors. The values of gross errors will vary from observer to observer.
Sometimes, the gross errors may also occur due to improper selection of the instrument. We can minimize
the gross errors by following these two steps.
 Choose the best suitable instrument, based on the range of values to be measured.
 Note down the readings carefully
 Two or more readings should be taken by different observers.

Systematic Errors

If the instrument produces an error, which is of a constant uniform deviation during its operation
is known as systematic error. The systematic errors occur due to the characteristics of the materials used
in the instrument. The systematic errors can be classified into the following three types.

1. Instrumental Errors − This type of errors occur due to the following reasons
o Short comings of instruments – it occurs due to the mechanical defects in instruments, like
a weak spring. They may be due to defect in manufacturing or due to poor calibration.
o Misuse of the instrument – A good instrument used in an unintelligent way results in this
type of error.
o Loading effect – Example is – when a voltmeter is connected to high resistance reading, it
gives a misleading reading
2. Environmental Errors − This type of errors occur due to the changes in environment such as
change in temperature, humidity, dust, pressure etc.
3. Observational Errors − This type of errors occur due to observer while taking the meter
readings. Parallax errors belong to this type of errors. To minimize such errors, the line of vision
of the observer should be exactly above the pointer.

Random Errors

The errors, which occur due to unknown sources during measurement time are known as random
errors. Hence, it is not possible to eliminate or minimize these errors. But, if we want to get the more
accurate measurement values without any random error, then it is possible by following these two steps.

 Step1 − Take more number of readings by different observers.


 Step2 − Do statistical analysis on the readings obtained in Step1.

Prepared by: Najla Pary, Lr. in EL., GPC Perinthalmanna

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