Scribd
Upload
227 views

Random and Systematic Error

The document discusses random errors and systematic errors in measurement, explaining that random errors result from small variations in experimental procedure while systematic errors produce reproducible inaccuracies due to issues like faulty instruments. It provides examples of sources of random errors like inconsistent positioning during weighing and systematic errors such as using an uncalibrated ruler. The document also distinguishes between percent error and percent difference in data analysis.

Uploaded by

Mikee Alvero
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
227 views

Random and Systematic Error

The document discusses random errors and systematic errors in measurement, explaining that random errors result from small variations in experimental procedure while systematic errors produce reproducible inaccuracies due to issues like faulty instruments. It provides examples of sources of random errors like inconsistent positioning during weighing and systematic errors such as using an uncalibrated ruler. The document also distinguishes between percent error and percent difference in data analysis.

Uploaded by

Mikee Alvero
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 11

RANDOM ERRORS AND

SYSTEMATIC ERRORS
spring balance   triple beam balance   voltmeter
vernier caliper   force table   micrometer caliper
“ F R O M E R R O R T O E R R O R , O N E D I S C O V E R S T H E E N T I R E T R U T H . ” – S I G M U N D F R E U D

Random errors usually result from the experimenter's inability


to take the same measurement in exactly the same way to get
exact the same number.
 The main reasons for random error are limitations of instruments,
environmental factors, and slight variations in procedure
• When weighing yourself on a scale, you position yourself
slightly differently each time.

• When taking a volume reading in a flask, you may read the


value from a different angle each time.
• 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.
• Measuring your height is affected by minor posture
changes.
• 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.

• Readings must be estimated when they fall between


marks on a scale or when the thickness of a
measurement marking is taken
Systematic errors, by contrast, are reproducible inaccuracies
that are consistently in the same direction. Typical causes of
systematic error include observational error, imperfect instrument
calibration, and environmental interference. For example:

• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• An improperly calibrated thermometer may give


accurate readings within a certain temperature
range, but become inaccurate at higher or lower
temperatures.
ANALOG
INSTRUMENTS
Electric Current meter
>Ammeters
A (amperes)
Electrical resistance meter
>Ohmmeters
(Ω⋅m) Ohm-meter
Atmospheric Pressure meter
>Barometers
Pa (pascal)
Moreover, random and systematic errors are associated with
percent error and percent difference.
Percent error is applied when comparing an experimental
quantity, E, with a theoretical quantity, T, which is considered
the “correct” value. The percent error is the absolute value of
the difference divided by the “correct” value times 100.
 
% error = /T-E/ x 100

T
 
 

Percent difference however is applied when comparing two


experimental quantities, E1 and E2, neither which can be considered
the “correct” value. The percent difference between the two
measurements is defined as

Note: You can perform the following activities through collaborating


with a partner. You can first answer the activities individually then just
communicate your results after.
1. Two trials were performed in an experiment to determine the
latent heat of vaporization, Lv of water at 100°C. The values of
Lv of water obtained were 500cal/g and 504cal/g. Find the
percent difference between the two values.

2. In performing an experiment on volume, two data were


obtained: 58mL and 62mL. What is the percent difference
between the measured data?

3. Optical fibers are generally composed of silica, with an index


of refraction around 1.44. In an experiment conducted using
three trials, the average index of refraction obtained was 1.31.
What is the percent of error obtained in this experiment?
4. If you are comparing your measured value of 10.2 m/s2 with
the accepted value of 9.8 m/s2 for the acceleration due to gravity
g, the percent error would be_____.
Activity 1: Spotting Errors
Experiment to perform Possible random error Possible systematic
error
Finding density of an
irregularly shaped
object
Calculating
acceleration due to
gravity using a
simple pendulum
Using ball in a table
to compare free fall
and projectile motion

You might also like