LESSON 3

Precision(consistency )and
Accuracy ,Sensitivity and Error
Sensitivity of a measuring instrument is defined as
Introduction the capability of that instrument to respond to physical
stimuli or to register small physical amount or
The characteristics which are emphasized in the differences.
selection of a measuring instrument include OR
precision , accuracy and sensitivity. Sensitivity is the degree of a measuring instrument to
record small change in its reading.
The meaning of Precision, Accuracy and Sensitivity.
The smallest scale division on the measuring
Precision is the degree of uniformity or instruments shows the sensitivity of the instruments.
reproducibility of the measurements. Thus the more sensitive the measuring instruments
OR the finer the scale divisions.
Precision is the degree of a measuring
instrument to record consistent reading for A vernier calipers is more sensitive than a ruler or
each measurement by the same way. a miliammeter is more sensitive than an ammeter.
A sensitive instrument is not always an accurate
When we say the measurements are consistent, instrument.
we mean that all the values of the measurements are
close together. Errors

Accuracy is the degree of closeness of the Any measurement of a physical quantity has errors
measurements to the actual or accepted value. or uncertainty.
There are two types of errors.
When we say the measurements are accurate, (a) Systematic errors
we are actually saying that the values of the (b) Random errors
measurements are close to the true or
accepted value. Systematic errors
The diagram shows the result for four shooters A, B , Systematic errors are errors in the measurement of a
C and D in a tournament. Every shooters shot five physical quantity due to instruments, the effects of
times . surrounding conditions and physical constraints of the
observer.
The main characteristic of systematic error is that its
magnitude is almost constant or appears in one
direction only. The value of the measurement is
always greater or is always less than the actual value.

Sources of systematic errors are:

(i) Zero errors or end errors
Zero errors occurs when the instrument gives a
The table shows the conclusion . non- zero reading when in fact the actual
Shooter Precision Accuracy reading is zero.
A High Low (ii) Personal error of the observer.
B Low High Physical constraints or limitations of the
C High High observer can cause systematic errors.
D Low Low An example is the reaction time.
(iii) Errors due to instruments

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 The examples are; Measurement Length
A stopwatch which is faster than normal would
give readings which are always larger than the We normally use ruler, measuring tape , vernier
actual time. calipers or micrometer screw gauge to measure
A thermometer which is used under different length.
conditions from which it was calibrated. Measuring Smallest scale division
A voltmeter manufactured in Germany had been instrument
calibarated under different temperature and Ruler 0.1 cm or
earth’s magnetic field from Malaysia where the 1 mm
voltmeter is used. Vernier 0.01cm
(iv) Errors due to wrong assumption. calipers
For example, we assumed that the value of the Micrometer 0.01 mm
acceleration due to gravity g is 9.81 ms-2, but the screw gauge
actual value may 9.79 ms-2. Hence there is a
positive error of 0.02 ms-2. Vernier calipers
Systematic errors cannot be reduced or eliminated by
taking repeated readings using the same method, the
same instrument or by the same observer.
Systematic erros can be elimated or reduced by
improving the procedure of taking the
measurements , using a different instrument or
getting somebody else to make the the
measurements.
For example for the zero errors can be eliminated by
subtracting the zero reading from the obtained
readings.
A pair of vernier calipers can be used to measure
Random errors thickness of a wire , internal and external diameter of
a beaker, depths of a test tube ,etc.
The main source of random error is the observer or The inside jaws are used to measure internal
has non -constant size of error and is unpredictable. diameters and the outside jaws are used to measure
The characteristics of random errors are: external diameters and thickness.
(i) it can be positive or negative. The obtained The tail is used to measure depths.
readings may be greater or less than the The main scale is marked in divisions of 0.1 cm ,
actual value. while the vernier scale is marked in divisions of 0.01
(ii) its magnitude is not constant. cm.
Examples of random errors are:
(i) Parallax errors – occur when the position The following steps shows how to read the vernier
of the eye is not perpendicular to the scale. calipers.
(ii) Different pressures are applied when  Read the main scale marking just before the
closing the gap of the micrometer screw zero marking on the vernier scale.
gauge when it is used to measure the  Find the vernier scale marking which joins
diameter of a wire. the main scale marking.
(iii) Changes in the temperature during an  The reading for a vernier scale is always
experiment. recorded in cm with two decimal places
(iv) Recording the wrong reading. (The accuracy is 0.01 cm)
(v) Mistake in counting
To eliminate or reduce random errors , repeated
reading are taken.

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Example 1 Micrometer screw gauge

Write down the reading of the following vernier

calipers.

Solution
The micrometer screw gauge is used to measure
thickness and diameters of very small objects.
Example 2 The main scale is marked in divisions of 0.5 mm ,
while the vernier scale is marked in divisions of 0.01
Based on the following diagrams write down the mm.
actual thickness of the objects.
The jaws tight the object that is to be measured.
The thimble is turned until its jaw touches the object.
The ratchet knob prevents over tightening by making
a click sound when the micrometer is ready to be
read.

The following steps shows how to read the

micrometer screw gauge.
Read the main scale marking just before the zero
marking on the vernier scale.
 Read the main scale marking just before the
zero marking beforev the thimble.
 Find the vernier scale marking which joins
the main scale.
 The reading for a micrometer screw gauge
is always recorded in mm with two decimal
places
Solution (The accuracy is 0.01 cm)

Example 3
Write down the reading of the following diagrams.

Solution

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Example 4 Measurement Mass
Based on the following diagrams write down the
actual diameters of the objects
(a)

Accuracy : ……………………………………..
Reading : …………………………………….

(b)

Solution Accuracy : ……………………………………..

Reading : …………………………………….

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 Triple beam balance
Accuracy : ………………………………………….

Measurement Time
Double-scale ammeter

Accuracy of upper scale :……………………..

Accuracy of lower scale : ……………………….

Reading :………………………………………..

Mechanical stop watch

Accuracy : ……………………………………..

Miliammeter range 0- 50 mA

Accuracy:……………………………………………
Reading :…………………………………………..

Measurement Temperature
Electronic stop watch

Accuracy :……………………………………
Reading :…………………………………….
Measurement Current

Accuracy:…………………………………………..

Ammeter range 0 – 5A
Accuracy :…………………………………………….

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 TUTORIAL 3
6 Which of the following is true?

1 The ability of an instrument gives consistent A The parallax error is not effected to the
reading , when repeated readings are taken is accuracy
called as B The accurate instrument is also the
sensitive instrument
A accuracy B precision C The accuracy increases when the
C sensitivity D error measurement nearest to actual value.

2 Which of the following should be the small 7 Which of the following is true?
value ,so that the precision becomes high?
A A stop watch is more sensitive than an
A Actual value B Mean electronic
C Relative error D Relative B An ammeter is more sensitive than a
deviation galvanometer
C A vernier calipers is more sensitive
3 The ability of an instrument to detect a slight than a micrometer screw gauge
change that occurs in the measured quantity is D A thinner-walled bulb thermometer is more
called as sensitive than a thicker –walled bulb
thermometer
A precision B accuracy
C sensitivity D error 8 Which of the following is most likely to show a
precise shooting?
4 The accuracy of an instrument increases if

A the number of significant figures increases

B the relative deviation relative increases
C the relative error increases

5 Based on the table below, what are the

measuring instruments J, K and L?

Measuring instruments Measurement 9 Which of the following is most likely to show an

J 2.52 ±0.01 cm accurate shooting but not so presicely?
K 15.2±0.1 cm
L 125.4±0.1 g

J K L
A Micrometer Vernier Spring
screw gauge calipers balance
B Micrometer Vernier Triple beam
Screw gauge calipers balance 10 It take 5.01 s for an object to move to a certain
C Vernier Metre Triple beam distance. When an electronic watch is used the
calipers ruler balance time is recorded as 4.85 s. What is the
percentage of error?

A 0.6 % B 2.1 %
C 3.2 % D 5.2 %

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 E 7.7 % Screw gauge Calipers
11 Which of the following statements about errors 15 Table shows readings of the thickness of a book
is correct? measured by four different students. Which of
the students recorded the true readings.
A Zero error is random error
B Random errors can be reduced by taking
repeat readings. Student Ruler Vernier Micrometer
C Systematic errors can be due to / cm calipers screw
instruments which are not sensitive. / cm gauge
D Systematic errors cause the readings /cm
scattered on both sides of the actual A W 2.17 2.2 2.174
value. B X 2.174 2.2 2.17
C Y 2.17 2.174 2.2
12 Which of the following experiment techniques D Z 2.2 2.17 2.174
can reduce systematic error of the quantity
being measured? 16 Which of the following accuracy of the
measuring instruments is true?
A Measuring the diameter of a wire at
different points along the wire. Measuring instruments Accuracy
B Adjusting an ammeter to read zero before
measuring a current. A Ruler 1 mm
C Timing a large number of oscillations to B Vernier calipers 0.001 cm
find the period of a pendulum. C Micrometer screw gauge 0.1 mm
D Measuring the thickness of a large number
of pieces of paper to find the thickness of 17 The focal length of a convex lens is 12 cm. If
one piece. the focal length is measured by using a ruler,
the reading recorded ought to be
13 The error is caused by the position of eye is not
parallel to the scale of an instrument is called as A 11.9 cm B 12.0 cm
C 12.00 cm D 12.1 cm
A positive zero error
B negative zero error 18 The diagram shows the existence of zero errors
C parallax error of a vernier calipers.

14 The following table shows the readings

measured by using different measuring
instruments X, Y and Z.
Measuring instrument Reading / mm
X 2.38
Y 52
Z 6.5
Which of the following is true? What is the value of the zero error?
X Y Z
A Ruler Vernier calipers Micrometer A + 0.04 cm B - 0.04 cm
screw gauge C + 0.06 cm D - 0.06 cm
B Vernier Micrometer Measuring
calipers screw gauge tape
C Measuring Ruler Vernier
Tape calipers
D Micrometer Ruler Vernier

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19 The following diagram shows a vernier calipers. 21 The thickness of a paper is measured by using a
micrometer screw gauge should be recorded as

A 2 mm B 2.1 mm
C 2.14 mm D 2.142 mm

22 Diagram shows a micrometer screw gauge.

What is the reading of the vernier calipers ?

A 3.17 cm B 3.08 cm
C 2.18 cm C 2.07 cm Based on the diagram ,what is the number of
revolution of the timble.
20 Figure(a) shows the existence of zero error of a A 12 B 12½
vernier calipers. Figure(b) shows the reading of C 13 D 13¾
the vernier calipers for diameter of metal
sphere. 23 Diagram shows a micrometer screw gauge
reading when it is closed at its gap.

The subsequent readings must be corrected by

A adding 0.02 mm
B subtracting 0.02 mm
C adding 0.03 mm
D subtracting 0.03 mm

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The actual reading of diameter of the metal

sphere is

A 2.02 cm B 2.04 cm Based on the diagram above, the thickness of a

C 2.06 cm D 2.08 cm sheet of paper is

A 3.25 cm B 3.75 cm
C 0.325 cm D 0.0375 cm

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25 Figure(a) shows the existence of zero error of a 29 Which of the following will increase the
micrometer screw gauge. Figure(b) shows the sensitivity of a mercury-in-glass thermometer?
reading of the micrometer screw gauge for
diameter of metal wire. Glass stem Capillary Size of
wall tube bore
A thick wide big
B thin narrow big
C thick wide small
D thin narrow small

30 The current flows through a metal conductor is

between 0.01 A to 0.05 A. Which ammeter is
most suitable to use?

A Ammeter range 0-1A

B Ammeter range 0-5A
C Ammeter range 0-10 mA
D Ammeter range 0-50 mA
The actual reading of diameter of the metal wire
is

A 8.30 mm B 8.32 mm
C 8.80 mm D 8.82 mm

26 A simple pendulum makes 20 complete swings

in 20.35 s. Which of the following is used?

A Stop watch
B Pendulum clock
C Electronic watch

27 A mass hanging from one end of a vertical

spring makes ten complete oscillations in 15 s.
If the time of the oscillations is taken by a stop
watch ,it should be recorded as

A 15 s B 15.0 s 31 What is the reading shown by the ammeter

C 15.00 s D 15.000 s above?

28 The figure shows a thermometer. A 2.4 A B 2.80 A

C 0.48 A D 0.44 A

32 The function of zero adjuster in an ammeter is to

A avoid zero error

B fasten the pointer
What is the reading shown? C avoid parallax error
A 96o C B 93.5o C D control the very large current
C 94.0 o C D 94o C

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33
Figure(a) shows the jaws of a vernier calipers
Measurement Measuring Accuracy (cm) without tigh any object. Figure(b) shows the
Instrument jaws of the vernier calipers tigh a test tube.
Diameter of a
copper wire (a) What is the function of P?
Length of a
pencil ...................................................................
Internal (b) What is the smallest division on the vernier
diameter of a scale?
beaker
....................................................................
(a) Complete the table above. (c) State the diameter of the test tube in
(b) State one reason why the diameter of the metre.
copper wire should be measured at a few
different places?

…………………………………………………

…………………………………………………
(c) State one precaution to be taken while
taking measurements by using the
instrument which measured the internal
diameter of a beaker.
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…………………………………………………

…………………………………………………

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Diagram above shows the reading of a

micrometer screw gauge for the thickness of 5
sheets of paper.

(a) What is the number of revolution of the N

scale .

(b) Determine the thickness of a sheet of the

paper in cm.

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 (c) Give the name and the function of M
scale.

.................................................................... (g) Draw a dotted line to show the correct

position of eye in the above diagram while
.................................................................... measuring the temperature of a substance.

....................................................................
(d) State a precaution to be taken while taking
measurements by using the micrometer
screw gauge.

....................................................................

....................................................................
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37 Diagram shows a miliammeter.

Diagram above shows a thermometer. (a) Give the name and the function of
component of
(a) Name component
(i) A ...........................................
(i) P ……………………………........... ……..................
(ii) Q ……………………………........... ....................................................................
(b) State the accuracy of the thermometer. (ii) B
……………………………………..................
....................................................................
(c) What is the reading of the thermometer? ....................................................................
(b) State the accuracy of the ammeter
....................................................................
(d) Why does the glass stem wall of the ....................................................................
thermometer is thin?
....................................................................
.................................................................... (c) State the reading of the ammeter.
(e) How should you do to increase the
accuracy of the thermometer. ....................................................................

.................................................................... ....................................................................
(d) State two precautions to be taken while
………………………………………………… taking measurements by using the
(f) Why does the thermometer use mercury? ammeter.
....................................................................
....................................................................
…………………………………………………
....................................................................

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