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1.2 - Random and Systematic Errors

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Error

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Terms in this set (6)

The difference between a measurement and its accepted value.

This type of error only affects some of the results. It can be a result of a momentary lapse by the experimenter or because an object's dimensions vary from place to place. Repeat readings can be used to reduce random errors.

Systematic error

This type of error affects all of the data by shifting it either too high or low. This is an error that is built into the apparatus and can not be reduced by repeat readings. To remove the size of the error is found and then minused from all of the results.

This may be systematic or random, but originates from a mistake that the experimenter did.

An instrument has a greater precision when it has smaller scale divisions. All readings should be given to the precision of the instrument.