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Accuracy vs. Precision

The document discusses the concepts of measurement, accuracy, precision, error, and uncertainty, emphasizing their importance in scientific contexts. It highlights that measurements can vary due to instrument choice and that repeated measurements can improve accuracy. Additionally, it explains the distinction between accuracy (closeness to true value) and precision (variability of measurements).

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keanboligao7
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10 views25 pages

Accuracy vs. Precision

The document discusses the concepts of measurement, accuracy, precision, error, and uncertainty, emphasizing their importance in scientific contexts. It highlights that measurements can vary due to instrument choice and that repeated measurements can improve accuracy. Additionally, it explains the distinction between accuracy (closeness to true value) and precision (variability of measurements).

Uploaded by

keanboligao7
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 25

Uncertainties and

Deviations in
Measurement

General Physics 1/2


Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
The Global Positioning
System (GPS receivers)
can automatically
work out the position
of a person or a
specific place.
2
However, there are
times when your
desired location in the
navigation app is
several meters away
from your actual
location.
3
Some conclusions and discoveries in the
sciences are “not absolute” and might change
after some time as technology and scientific
knowledge advance.

4
Measurement

Measurement is quantifying a property of an object.

5
Measurement

Suppose you want to measure the thickness of this book.


What unit of measurement will you use?

6
Measurement

What instrument or equipment will you use in


measuring the thickness of this book?

7
Measurement

Can a measuring tape be used in measuring the


thickness of the book?

8
Measurement

Can a ruler be used in measuring the thickness of the


book?

9
Measurement

Can a vernier caliper be used in measuring the thickness


of the book?

10
Measurement

Which of the instruments or equipments shown is best to


use in measuring the thickness of the book? Why?

11
How does accuracy differ from
precision?

12
Measurement

How do we describe a good measurement?

● Error: difference between the true value and the


measured value.

● Uncertainty: net effect of error; quantifies the doubt


that exists in any reported value of the measurement.

13
Accuracy and Precision

Accuracy
It indicates how close the measured value is to the true
value.

21.7 ± 0.2 mm

14
Accuracy and Precision

Accuracy
The actual range can be calculated by a value higher and
lower by 0.2 mm from the true value.

21.5 mm to 21.9 mm

15
Accuracy and Precision

Accuracy
Accuracy can also be expressed in terms of fractional
error or percent error.

21.7 ± 0.9 %

16
Accuracy and Precision

Accuracy
When accuracy is not explicitly stated, it can be indicated
by the correct number of significant figures.

21.7 ⟶ 3 SF

17
Accuracy and Precision

Precision
It describes the scatter or the variability of a set of
measurements made.

21.7, 21.6, 21.5 ⟶ precise

18
Accuracy and Precision

Which measurement is precise? Which is accurate? Which is both


accurate and precise? Which is neither accurate nor precise?
19
Accuracy and Precision

Does high accuracy means high precision?


20
Accuracy and Precision

Does high precision means high accuracy?


21
Basic Statistical Calculations

Measuring the thickness of a book once may result in low


accuracy.

21.7 mm

22
Basic Statistical Calculations

Measuring the thickness of a book multiple times may


increase accuracy.

21.7 mm,
21.5 mm,
21.6 mm.
23
Let’s Sum It Up!

● Error is the difference between the ‘true’ value


and the measured value.

● Uncertainty defines the net effect of the error. It


quantifies the doubt that exists in any reported
value of the measurement.

24
Let’s Sum It Up!

● Accuracy describes how close the measured


value is to the ‘true value’.

● Precision describes the scatter or the variability


of the measurement values made.

25

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