Accurate versus Precise - Chemistry 7

Front

What is the difference between accuracy and precision?

Back

Accuracy refers to how close a measured value is to the actual (true) value, while precision refers to how close the measured values are to each other.

Front

What does it mean for a measurement to be accurate?

Back

A measurement is accurate if it is very close to the true value.

Front

What does it mean for a measurement to be precise?

Back

A measurement is precise if repeated measurements yield the same or very similar results, regardless of whether they are close to the true value.

Front

If a set of measurements is both accurate and precise, what does that indicate?

Back

It indicates that the measurements are close to the true value and also close to each other.

Front

What is an example of high precision but low accuracy?

Back

If a scale consistently measures 2 kg when the actual weight is 5 kg, the measurements are precise (close to each other) but not accurate.

Front

What is an example of high accuracy but low precision?

Back

If a dart hits the bullseye once but the other darts are scattered far away, the result is accurate but not precise.

Front

What happens to precision when you measure with finer intervals?

Back

Measuring with finer intervals increases precision because it allows for more exact measurements.

Front

What is the importance of calibrating measuring equipment?

Back

Calibrating ensures that the equipment provides accurate measurements by adjusting it to a known standard.

Front

What is a common misconception about accuracy and precision?

Back

A common misconception is that accuracy and precision are the same; they are related but distinct concepts.

Front

How can you improve the accuracy of your measurements?

Back

You can improve accuracy by calibrating your instruments and using proper measurement techniques.