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Error

There are two main types of errors in measurement: systematic errors and random errors. Systematic errors consistently shift measurements in one direction and can be corrected if identified, while random errors vary unpredictably and are influenced by external factors beyond the observer's control. Examples of systematic errors include zero errors from incorrect calibration and consistently improper technique, while random errors can result from limitations of instruments or observers as well as changing environmental conditions during an experiment. Both types of errors can be reduced by repeating measurements and determining an average value.

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Dhanish Sivalingam
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314 views

Error

There are two main types of errors in measurement: systematic errors and random errors. Systematic errors consistently shift measurements in one direction and can be corrected if identified, while random errors vary unpredictably and are influenced by external factors beyond the observer's control. Examples of systematic errors include zero errors from incorrect calibration and consistently improper technique, while random errors can result from limitations of instruments or observers as well as changing environmental conditions during an experiment. Both types of errors can be reduced by repeating measurements and determining an average value.

Uploaded by

Dhanish Sivalingam
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Error

Error is the difference between the actual value of a quantity and the value
obtained in measurement.
There are 2 main types of error

Systematic Error

Random Error

Systematic Error
Systematic errors are errors which tend to shift all measurements in a systematic
way so their mean value is displaced. Systematic errors can be compensated if the
errors are known.
Examples of systematic errors are
1. zero error, which cause by an incorrect position of the zero point,
2. an incorrect calibration of the measuring instrument.
3. consistently improper use of equipment.
Systematic error can be reduced by
1. Conducting the experiment with care.
2. Repeating the experiment by using different instruments.
Zero error
1. A zero error arises when the measuring instrument does not start from exactly
zero.
2. Zero errors are consistently present in every reading of a measurement.
3. The zero error can be positive or negative.

(NO ZERO ERROR: The pointer of the


ammeter place on zero when no current flow through it.)

(NEGATIVE ZERO ERROR: The pointer of the ammeter


does not place on zero but a negative value when no current flow through it.)

(POSITIVE ZERO ERROR: The pointer of the ammeter


does not place on zero but a negative value when no current flow through it.)
Random errors
1. Random errors arise from unknown and unpredictable variations in condition.
2. It fluctuates from one measurement to the next.
3. Random errors are caused by factors that are beyond the control of the

observers.
4. Random error can cause by

personal errors such as human limitations of sight and touch.

lack of sensitivity of the instrument: the instrument fail to respond to the


small change.

natural errors such as changes in temperature or wind, while the experiment


is in progress.

wrong technique of measurement.

One example of random error is the parallax error. Random error can be reduced by

taking repeat readings

find the average value of the reading.

Parallax error
A parallax error is an error in reading an instrument due to the eye of the observer
and pointer are not in a line perpendicular to the plane of the scale.

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