Systematic and random errors

Overview

Recall questions on zero errors, what causes each type of error, and how each can be reduced.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What is a systematic error?

   Model answer

   A systematic error is an error that causes all measurements to be shifted in the same direction from the true value by a consistent amount.

2. 2

   Define a zero error.

   Model answer

   A zero error is a type of systematic error where an instrument does not read zero when it should.

3. 3

   If a balance consistently reads 0.5 g when empty, what type of error is this?

   Model answer

   This is a zero error, which is a type of systematic error.

4. 4

   Can systematic errors be reduced by repeating measurements and calculating an average?

   Model answer

   No, systematic errors cannot be reduced by repeating measurements and averaging because they shift all readings by the same amount in the same direction.

5. 5

   Why does repeating measurements and averaging help reduce random errors but not systematic errors?

   Model answer

   Random errors scatter unpredictably above and below the true value, so averaging cancels them out. Systematic errors shift all readings in the same direction, so averaging does not eliminate them.

6. 6

   What are random errors?

   Model answer

   Random errors are errors that cause measurements to scatter unpredictably above and below the true value.

Other ways to work this

The same content, four other ways.

What is inside Levo

Six ways to work the same material.