Chapter 1

Transparency
4
Introduction To Physics

Measurements ( II )
Systematic Error Random Error
Errors arise in one direction only i.e. either Size of error is not constant and
consistently too high (always positive) or unpredictable. The distribution of readings
too low (always negative) from the actual is sometimes positive and sometimes
value. negative from the actual value.
Sources: Sources:
• Zero error of instruments • Parallax error
• Incorrectly calibrated scale • Changes in the surroundings
• Repeated error in reaction time Note: Random errors can be reduced
• Wrong assumption by taking the mean value of
Zero is above repeated measurements.
Horizontal line horizontal line
Wrong
reading
0
Meniscus Correct
45 reading
mm
40
Wrong
Mercury reading
Systematic error in micrometer screw
gauge reading Parallax error in thermometer reading

Accuracy And Consistency Sensitivity

Measuring Smallest Sensitivity
Instrument Division
Target
(cm)
Position
of arrow Ruler 0.1 Low
Precise but Accurate but Vernier
0.01 Medium
less accurate less precise calipers
Micrometer
screw gauge 0.001 High

The micrometer screw gauge is more

sensitive than vernier calipers because
Accurate and Not accurate and it can detect smaller changes in
precise not precise measurement.
Distribution of gunshots on a target

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