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Errors in Measurement Mathematics in Physics

Errors are present in all measurements and can be categorized as either random or systematic. Random errors occur irregularly from fluctuations in experimental conditions while systematic errors are reproducible inaccuracies in the same direction, often from issues that persist throughout an experiment. Precision refers to the closeness of repeated measurements while accuracy describes the level of agreement with the true value. Both random and systematic errors can be reduced by taking the average of multiple readings, improving instruments, and checking measurements.

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54 views

Errors in Measurement Mathematics in Physics

Errors are present in all measurements and can be categorized as either random or systematic. Random errors occur irregularly from fluctuations in experimental conditions while systematic errors are reproducible inaccuracies in the same direction, often from issues that persist throughout an experiment. Precision refers to the closeness of repeated measurements while accuracy describes the level of agreement with the true value. Both random and systematic errors can be reduced by taking the average of multiple readings, improving instruments, and checking measurements.

Uploaded by

Mark Ramos
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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ERRORS IN MEASUREMENT

& MATHEMATICS IN PHYSICS

edgar ubalde
[email protected]
Contents
1. Error in Measurements
2. Precision Vs Accuracy
3. Types of Error
4. Errors in Calculation
5. Steps to Minimize Errors
6. Algebra in Physics
7. Trigonometry
8. Conversions
Measurement is the foundation for all experimental science. All
the great technological development were made possible through
use of increasingly accurate instruments.

The measurement of an amount is based on some international


standards, which are completely accurate compared with others.

Every measurement carries a level of uncertainty known as an


error.
An error may be defined as the difference between the measured and actual
values. For example, if the two operators use the same device or instrument for
measurement. It is not necessary that both operators get similar results.
The difference between the measurements is referred to as an ERROR.

The true value is impossible to find by experimental means. It may be defined


as the average value of an infinite number of measured values.

The measured value is a single measure of the object to be as accurate as


possible.
Accuracy is the degree of conformity and correctness of measurement when
compared to the true or absolute value.
Precision refers to the closeness of two or more measurements to each other.
Precision and accuracy are two ways that scientists think about
error.
Precision is independent of accuracy.
This means, it is possible to be very precise but not very
accurate, and it is also possible to be accurate without being
precise.
The best quality scientific observations are both accurate and
precise.
Types of Error
Gross error which basically takes into account human oversight and other
mistakes while reading, recording, and readings, “ human error”. For example,
the person taking the reading from the meter of the instrument may read 23 as
28.
To avoid this, proper care should be taken in reading and recording the data.
Also, the calculation of error should be done accurately.
By increasing the number of experimenters, we can reduce the gross errors.
Types of Error

Random errors are those errors, which occur irregularly and hence are
random.
These can arise due to random and unpredictable fluctuations in experimental
conditions (temperature, voltage supply, mechanical vibrations of experimental
set-ups, errors by the observer taking readings).
Types of Error
Systematic errors can be better understood if we divide them into subgroups:
Environmental error - due to the effect of the external conditions on the
measurement. The external condition includes temperature, pressure, and
humidity and can also include an external magnetic field.
Observational Errors -These are the errors that arise due to an individual’s
bias, lack of proper setting of the apparatus, or an individual’s carelessness in
taking observations.
Types of Error
Instrumental Errors arise due to faulty construction and calibration of the
measuring instruments. Lots of the time, the equipment being used is faulty due
to misuse or neglect, which changes the reading of the equipment. The zero error
is a very common type of error. The zero error can be either positive or negative.
Sometimes the scale readings are worn off, which can also lead to a bad reading.
Instrumental error takes place due to :
• An inherent constraint of devices
• Misuse of Apparatus
• Effect of Loading
Errors are a measure of the lack of certainty in a value. All
experimental uncertainty is due to either random errors or
systematic errors.

Random Errors are statistical fluctuations (in either direction) in


the measured data due to the precision limitations of the
measurement device. It usually result from the experimenter's
inability to take the same measurement in exactly the same way to
get exact the same number.
SYSTEMATIC ERRORS are reproducible inaccuracies that are
consistently in the same direction. Often due
to a problem which persists throughout the entire experiment.
Systematic and Random Error refer to problems associated with
making measurements. Mistakes made in the calculations or in
reading the instruments are not considered in error analysis. It is
assumed that the experimenter are careful & competent!
How To Reduce Errors In Measurement
Gross errors can be avoided by taking proper care in reading, recording the data,
and accurately calculating the error.

Random errors can be reduced by using multiple experimenters, taking different


readings at different points, and taking the average of more readings.

Systematic errors can be reduced by using an instrument that has the highest
precision, pilot testing measuring instruments for better accuracy, and cross-
checking the measured value of a quantity for improved accuracy.
Errors in Calculation
Absolute Error
The difference between the measured value of a quantity and its actual value gives the absolute
error. It is the variation between the actual values and measured values. It is given by Absolute
error = |VA-VE|
Percent Error
This calculation allows us to gauge how accurate a measured value is with respect to the true
value. Per cent error is given by the formula,
Percentage error (%) = (VA-VE) / VE) x 100
Relative Error
The ratio of the absolute error to the accepted measurement gives the relative error. The relative
error is given by the formula:
Relative Error = Absolute error / Actual value
Precision is often reported quantitatively by using relative
or fractional uncertainty.

Relative Uncertainty =

Example: measured mass = 75.5 ± 0.5 g


It has a fractional uncertainty of: = 0.006 = 0.7%.
Accuracy is often reported quantitatively by using relative
error.

Relative Error =

Example: If the expected value for mass is 80.0 g and the measured
value is 75.5 then the relative error is: = −0.056 = −5.6%
The minus sign indicates that the measured value is less than
the expected value. When analyzing experimental data, it is
important that you understand the difference between
precision and accuracy. Precision indicates the quality of
the measurement, with no guarantee that the measurement is
"correct." Accuracy assumes an ideal value, and tells how far
your answer is from that ideal, "right" value. These concepts
are directly related to random and systematic measurement
errors.
ALGEBRA
TRIGONOMETRY
END OF DISCUSSION

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