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Precision & Accuracy Lab
Precision & Accuracy Lab
2/July- 2011
Part A: ACCURACY and PRECISION
Least Count:
The least count of an instrument is the smallest amount it is capable of measuring. For example, the least
count of a metre scale is 1 mm.
We have 10 divisions between 0 to 1 so we can say
that the least count is 1/ 10 or 0.1cm or 1mm.
Accuracy:
Accuracy refers to the closeness of the measured value to the true value. For example, if the true value of the
length of a block is 20.6 cm and the value measured with a metre scale A is 20.4 cm whereas the value
measured by metre scale B is 20.5 cm, then we say that the accuracy of the reading made with metre scale B
is more than that made with metre scale A.
True value = 3.459 cm
Is least count the same as accuracy? Discuss
vernier calipers;
meter scale;
size]
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
The clustering of darts together represent 'precision' while the tendency of the darts to fall near or around the
'bull's eye' represents 'accuracy'.
Write the correct diagram alphabet next to each case shown:
Most accurate and least precise
PRECISION