Error:
Error is the difference between the actual value of a quantity and the value obtained in
measurement.
Types of Error:
There are 2 main types of error
• Systematic Error
• Random Error
Systematic Error:
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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
zero error, which cause by an incorrect position of the zero point,
an incorrect calibration of the measuring instrument.
consistently improper use of equipment.
Systematic error can be reduced by
Conducting the experiment with care.
Repeating the experiment by using different instruments.
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Zero error
A zero error arises when the measuring instrument does not start from exactly zero. The zero
error can be positive or negative.
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Random errors
Random errors arise from unknown and unpredictable variations in condition.
It fluctuates from one measurement to the next.
Random errors are caused by factors that are beyond the control of the observers.
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.
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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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Percentage Error:
Percent error is the difference between estimated value and the actual value in comparison to
the actual value and is expressed as a percentage.
