Sources of error

Errors in measurements
• Measurements without any error is not easy one
• The error may be inherent in the measurement process or it may be induced due to
variations in the way the experiment is conducted.
Types of errors
1. Systematic errors (Bias):

2. Random errors:
 Systematic errors
• Systematic errors due to faulty or improperly calibrated instruments and have a clear
cause and can be eliminated for future experiments

• These may be reduced or eliminated by careful choice and calibration of instruments.

• Sometimes bias may be linked to a specific cause and estimated by analysis.

• In such a case a correction may be applied to eliminate or reduce bias.

• Bias is an indication of the accuracy of the measurement.

• Smaller the bias more accurate the data

Types of systematic errors

1. Instrumental: When the instrument being used does not function

properly causing error in the experiment (such as a scale that reads 2g
more than the actual weight of the object, causing the measured values
to read too high consistently)
2. Environmental: When the surrounding
environment (such as a lab) causes errors in the
experiment (the scientist cell phone's RF waves
cause the geiger counters to incorrectly display the
radiation)

3. Observational: When the scientist inaccurately

reads a measurement wrong (such as when not
standing straight-on when reading the volume of a
flask causing the volume to be incorrectly
measured)

4. Theoretical: When the model system being used

 Random Errors
• Random errors are due to non-specific causes like natural disturbances that may
occur during the measurement process.
• These cannot be eliminated.
• The magnitude of the spread in the data due to the presence of random errors is a
measure of the precision of the data.
• Smaller the random error more precise is the data.
• Random errors are statistical in nature.
• may be characterized by statistical analysis.
Observational: When the observer makes consistent observational
mistakes (such not reading the scale correctly and writing down values
that are constantly too low or too high)

Environmental: When unpredictable changes occur in the environment

of the experiment (such as students repeatedly opening and closing the
door when the pressure is being measured, causing fluctuations in the
reading)