Energy transfer

Accuracy and precision – lesson 2

Comparison in Two different errors
Systematic and random error

 Systematic error: all readings from the instrument are incorrect by a similar
amount. E.g if you forget to zero a balance before finding the masses of some
objects, all the readings will be incorrect by same value. A systematic error
reduces the accuracy of your results but does not affect precision.

 Random error: in experimental measurements they are caused by unknown

and unpredictable changes in the experiment. These changes may occur in
the measuring instruments or in the environmental conditions. E.g when
measuring temperature scale from a slightly different angle each time you
read it. Instruments with digital readout avoid this error.
Written work

 Student book page 173

Q3-5
Wrap up

 How can you avoid systematic error?

 How can you avoid random error?