Lesson 4
Lesson 4
Random Errors
Occur when repeated measurements produce randomly
different results.
Errors in Measurement
d = 2.75 in
Errors in Measurement
d1 = 2.75 in
d2 = 2.73 in
d3 = 2.77 in
Errors in Measurement
d1 = 2.75 in
d2 = 2.73 in
d3 = 2.77 in
Errors in Measurement
d1 = 2.75 in
d2 = 2.73 in
d3 = 2.77 in
Errors in Measurement
d1 = 2.75 in
d2 = 2.73 in
d3 = 2.77 in } 2.75 ± 0.2 in
What are examples of random
errors?
Errors in Measurement
Experimental Noise
Suppose you are asked to launch a ball from a launcher.
Errors in Measurement
Fundamental Noise
Can you control the behavior of the ball as it is launched
by the launcher?
Errors in Measurement
Technical Noise
How does minute changes in the angle by which the ball
is launch affect your data?
Errors in Measurement
Technical Noise
● A good experimenter tries his or her best to reduce
technical noise.
Systematic Error
Error that remains constant or changes in regular fashion
even if measurements are repeated.
Systematic Error
Suppose you have three apples, and you measured the
diameter of each.
Apple Diameter, d (in)
(observed)
1 2.75
2 2.73
3 2.77
Errors in Measurement
Systematic Error
Compare the observed value and the true value.
Systematic Error
The measurements are off by 0.02 inches.
Systematic Error
All measurements have the same error, hence, the error
is systematic.
Systematic Error
Where do you think systematic errors arise?
Parallax error
Errors in Measurement
0.004 0.000
There is an established Although the reading should
reading ... be zero.
Errors in Measurement
Mistakes
Mistakes
Fortunately, it can be avoided and can be reduced by
being extra careful in any measurement activity.
writing
3.43 instead of
3.34
How can the least count
concept be used to estimate the
error in a measurement?
Least Count
Measurement A = 15 ± 1 ohms
Measurement B = 25 ± 2 ohms
Error Bars
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Serway, Raymond A. and John W. Jewett, Jr. Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics (9th
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