Explain accuracy and precision in measurement.
(N/A) - Measurement is the foundation of all experimental science and technology.
- Uncertainty in measurement is called error.
- Accuracy refers to how close a measured value is to the true value of the quantity.
- Precision refers to the resolution or the limit to which a quantity is measured.
- Accuracy in measurement depends on the resolution of the measuring instrument.
- For example,consider a true length of $3.678 \ cm$. If measured with an instrument having a resolution of $0.1 \ cm$,the value is $3.5 \ cm$. If measured with a resolution of $0.01 \ cm$,the value is $3.38 \ cm$.
- Comparing the two: The first measurement $(3.5 \ cm)$ is closer to the true value $(3.678 \ cm)$ than the second $(3.38 \ cm)$.
- Therefore,the first measurement is more accurate,even though the second measurement has higher precision due to its finer resolution.
- Uncertainty in measurement is called error.
- Accuracy refers to how close a measured value is to the true value of the quantity.
- Precision refers to the resolution or the limit to which a quantity is measured.
- Accuracy in measurement depends on the resolution of the measuring instrument.
- For example,consider a true length of $3.678 \ cm$. If measured with an instrument having a resolution of $0.1 \ cm$,the value is $3.5 \ cm$. If measured with a resolution of $0.01 \ cm$,the value is $3.38 \ cm$.
- Comparing the two: The first measurement $(3.5 \ cm)$ is closer to the true value $(3.678 \ cm)$ than the second $(3.38 \ cm)$.
- Therefore,the first measurement is more accurate,even though the second measurement has higher precision due to its finer resolution.
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