What is the difference between a mistake and an error in the context of physical measurements?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A)
MistakeError
$(1)$ $A$ mistake is caused by carelessness,wrong calculations,or improper methods of measurement.$(1)$ An error is caused by the imperfect design of the measuring instrument or the observation limitations of individuals.
$(2)$ By taking proper care,a mistake can be eliminated completely.$(2)$ By taking more observations or using an instrument with a smaller least count,an error can be minimized but not completely eliminated.

Explore More

Similar Questions

If the length of a cylinder is $l = (4.00 \pm 0.01) \; cm$,radius $r = (0.250 \pm 0.001) \; cm$,and mass $m = 6.25 \pm 0.01 \; g$,calculate the percentage error in the determination of density.

$A$ scientist performs an experiment in order to measure a certain physical quantity and takes $100$ observations. He repeats the same experiment and takes $400$ observations. By doing so,

Using the expression $2 d \sin \theta = \lambda$,one calculates the values of $d$ by measuring the corresponding angles $\theta$ in the range $0^{\circ}$ to $90^{\circ}$. The wavelength $\lambda$ is exactly known and the error in $\theta$ is constant for all values of $\theta$. As $\theta$ increases from $0^{\circ}$:

In an experiment,four quantities $p, q, r$,and $s$ are measured with percentage errors of $3 \%, 2 \%, 3 \%$,and $1 \%$ respectively. Quantity $A$ is calculated as follows: $A = \frac{pq^2}{r^2 s^4}$. The percentage error in $A$ is: (in $\%$)

$A$ force $F$ is applied on a square plate of length $L$. If the percentage error in the determination of $L$ is $3 \%$ and in $F$ is $4 \%$, then the permissible error in the calculation of pressure is (in $\%$)

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo