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Activity 1.3-Accuracy and Precision

This document discusses the difference between accuracy and precision in measurements. It begins by stating that accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true or accepted value, while precision refers to the closeness of repeated measurements. It then provides an example comparing a basketball player who consistently hits the rim in different positions (accurate) versus one who always hits the same spot on the rim (precise but not accurate). Finally, it instructs the student to analyze measurement data from two students, one using a basic ruler and one using a precision micrometer, to determine which is more accurate and precise.

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Adrian Neneng
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3K views10 pages

Activity 1.3-Accuracy and Precision

This document discusses the difference between accuracy and precision in measurements. It begins by stating that accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true or accepted value, while precision refers to the closeness of repeated measurements. It then provides an example comparing a basketball player who consistently hits the rim in different positions (accurate) versus one who always hits the same spot on the rim (precise but not accurate). Finally, it instructs the student to analyze measurement data from two students, one using a basic ruler and one using a precision micrometer, to determine which is more accurate and precise.

Uploaded by

Adrian Neneng
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name ___________________________________ Date ________

Lesson

1.3 Accuracy and Precision

What’s In

You have learned how to express very large and small physical quantities into
scientific notation applying the number of significant figures. You also learned solving
measurement problems involving conversion of units.

You will learn the definition of two important terms when we talk about
measurements; accuracy and precision as well as its importance. You will also familiarize
measuring instruments of varying precision and its advantage.

What I Need to Know

Often times, accuracy and precision are used interchangeably. However, these two
terms mean different things. As what you have learned in the previous topic, analytical
chemists perform experiments and these experiments involve measurements . It is important
to be both accurate and precise in taking scientific measurements.

Why do you think it is important to be both accurate and precise in measurement?


Can you think of situations encountered in daily life that need to be accurate and precis e?
What do you think will happen if measurements are in accurate and less precise?

In this lesson, you are to differentiate accuracy from precision.


What’s New

General Instruction: Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

I. Study the image below. The bull’s-eye represents the accepted true value. Each
cross represents a repeated measurement of the same quantity. Describe each
of the figures by choosing its description inside the box.

A. Precise and Accurate C. Not accurate but precise

B. Accurate but not precise D. Not accurate and not precise

Figure 1 Figure 2

Figure 3 Figure 4

II. What is your basis for your choices in describing the figures above?

What is your idea about accuracy? How about precision?


What Is It

Accuracy and precision in measurements are important in many aspects of the world;
may it be in the field of research, medicine, electronics/technology, manufacturing, and
among others. Take for example, inaccurate dose of medicine may harm patient. In the
same way, inaccurate measurements used in appliances for example may cause it to
explode, even might spark fire that will cause harm to humans and properties. Even a
difference of 0.01 might lead to undesirable results.

Accuracy refers to the closeness of the measurement to the true value or accepted
value. On the other hand, precision refers to the closeness among several measurements
that have been obtained in the same way. Let us differentiate accuracy and precision in the
context of a basketball player making a basket. We can say that a basketball player has a
high degree of accuracy if the player always makes a basket even though he strikes in
different positions of the rim. However, if he does not make many baskets but always strikes
in the same position of the rim, then he has high degree of precision but not accurate. This
concept is also the same with the figures shown in the previous activity showing targets on a
dart board.

To better understand accuracy and precision of measurements, consider the


example below.

Example:
What’s More: Data Analysis

General Instruction: Analyze the measurement data set provided and describe the date
set in terms of accuracy and precision.

Coin diameter

A gold coin has an ‘accepted’ diameter of 28.054 mm.

Two students are asked to measure the diameter of four gold coins. Student A uses a simple
plastic ruler. Student B uses a precision measuring tool called a micrometer.

Student A – plastic ruler Student B – micrometer


27.9 mm 28.246 mm
28.0 mm 28.244 mm
27.8 mm 28.246 mm
28.1 mm 28.248 mm

1. Calculate the average value for each set of measurements

Student A – plastic ruler Student B – micrometer

2. Compare the average value for each set with the accepted value:

 Which student’s data is more accurate? Justify your answer.

 Which student’s data is more precise? Justify your answer.

3. Explain any odd findings:

(Adopted from http://sciencelearn. org.z)


What I Have Learned

Check your understanding! Answer the following questions. Write you explanation
on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Is there a difference in the accuracy of measurements of the reading if the


units used vary?

Why?

2. Up to what precise measure could each instrument be read?

3. The smallest unit on a ruler is 1mm. Two students measured the width of a
wooden block and recorded them as 5.25 cm and 5.27 cm.

Analyze the data gathered. Are these two equally precise?


Comment.

4. Can measurements be accurate but not precise? Justify your answer by citing
a specific example.

5. Two students, John and Jay are given a small cylinder of aluminium of known
mass and asked to determine its density. (The ‘accepted’ density of
aluminium is 2.702 g/cm3.) Since density is mass/volume, the students need
to calculate the volume of the cylinder. The height and diameter of the
cylinder need to be measured in order to calculate its volume

John is told to use a simple plastic ruler and to make four independent
measurements for each dimension. Jay is told to use a precision measuring
tool called a micrometer.

John – plastic ruler Jay – micrometer


2.2 g/cm3 2.703 g/cm3
2.3 g/cm3 2.701 g/cm3
2.7 g/cm3 2.705 g/cm3
2.4 g/cm3 5.811 g/cm3

a. Which student’s data is more accurate? Cite factor(s) that might affect the
measurement’s accuracy.

b. Which student’s data is more precise? Cite factor(s) that might affect the
measurement’s precision.

Assessment: (Post-Test)
Direction: Select the letter of your choice. Write it in CAPITAL form. Your answers should be
written on a separate sheet of paper.
APPENDICES

APPENDIX A. Prefixes Used with SI Units


APPENDIX B. Conversion Factor
Sources:
Websites:

2020. Nebula2.Deanza.Edu. http://nebula2.deanza.edu/~lanasheridan/4A/Rulers-


VernierCalipers-Mircometers.pdf.
2020. 4.Files.Edl.Io. https://4.files.edl.io/cc9f/08/26/18/225914-021efdd7-
e111- 4f98-8564-5388f1bf7d14.pdf.
2020. Mlbgsd.K12.Pa.Us.
https://www.mlbgsd.k12.pa.us/cms/lib/PA09000085/Centricity/Domain/83/lab
_-_accuracy_and_precision.pdf.
"Measurement, Accuracy And Precision Of Data | Grant Instruments". 2020. Grant
Instruments. https://www.grantinstruments.com/measurement-accuracy-and-
precision-of-data.
"Multiple Choice Questions Answers - Online Quiz Tests". 2020. Mcqslearn.Com.
https://www.mcqslearn.com/.
"New Page 1". 2020. Pstcc.Edu.
http://www.pstcc.edu/departments/natural_behavioral_sciences/Web%20Physi
cs/Experiment%2001web.htm.
"Precision And Accuracy". 2020. Science Learning Hub.
https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1880-precision-and-accuracy.
"Science Learning Hub". 2020. Science Learning Hub. http://sciencelearn.org.nz.
"Science Learning Hub". 2020. Science Learning Hub. http://sciencelearn.org.nz.
"Using The Vernier Calipers & Micrometer Screw Gauge | Department Of
Physics". 2020. Phy.Uct.Ac.Za.
http://www.phy.uct.ac.za/courses/phylab1/vernier.

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