Accuracy and Precision Quiz

Which of the following best defines precision?

• How close a measurement is to the true value.

• How consistent repeated measurements are with each other.

• The ability to measure something accurately.

• The difference between the highest and lowest values.

Which of the following best defines accuracy?

• How close a measurement is to the true value.

• How consistent repeated measurements are with each other.

• The ability to measure something without error.

• The range of values obtained in multiple measurements.

A balance scale gives a reading of 100.5 g, 100.5 g, and 100.6 g for a known 100 g weight. These measurements are:

• Accurate but not precise

• Precise but not accurate

• Both accurate and precise

• Neither accurate nor precise

Why is it important to have both accuracy and precision in scientific measurements?

• To ensure the measurements are reliable and valid

• To reduce the number of trials needed

• To eliminate the need for calibration

• To make data collection faster

If a student measures the volume of water in a beaker five times and gets 50 mL, 50 mL, 50 mL, 50 mL, and 50 mL, and the true volume is 50 mL, the student's measurements are:

• Accurate but not precise

• Precise but not accurate

• Both accurate and precise

• Neither accurate nor precise

Which scenario demonstrates high accuracy but low precision?

• Hitting the same spot on a target repeatedly, but away from the bullseye.

• Hitting different spots on a target, all around the bullseye.

• Hitting the bullseye once and then widely spread hits.

• Hitting the bullseye multiple times.

Which of the following affects the precision of measurements?

• The consistency of the measuring process

• The true value of the quantity being measured

• The number of measurements taken

If a thermometer consistently reads 2 degrees higher than the actual temperature, the thermometer is:

• Accurate but not precise

• Precise but not accurate

• Both accurate and precise

• Neither accurate nor precise

To improve the accuracy of an experiment, a scientist should:

• Use more precise instruments

• Repeat the experiment several times

• Compare results with known standards

• All of the above

A scientist measures the length of a table three times and gets 2.45 m, 2.46 m, and 2.45 m and the true length is 2.45 m. These measurements are:

• Accurate and precise

• Accurate but not precise

• Precise but not accurate

• Neither accurate nor precise