Measurement and errors

Which of the following is NOT a source of random error?

• A) Electronic noise in measuring instruments

• B) Small fluctuations in temperature

• C) Consistently misreading a scale

• D) Slight variations in reaction time when using a stopwatch

Which of the following is an example of a systematic error?

• A) Random fluctuations in temperature

• B) Variations in reaction time when using a stopwatch

• C) A miscalibrated measuring instrument

• D) Electronic noise in digital devices

What does the term "accuracy" refer to in scientific measurements?

• A) The consistency of repeated measurements

• B) How close a measurement is to the accepted or true value

• C) The number of significant figures in a measurement

• D) The smallest division on a measuring instrument

Which of the following actions can help reduce random errors?

• A) Taking a single careful measurement

• B) Using a more precise measuring instrument

• C) Taking multiple measurements and averaging the results

• D) Adjusting the result based on environmental factors

In an experiment, a student measures the length of a rod five times and gets the following results (in cm): 25.2, 25.1, 25.3, 25.2, 25.2.

What is the best estimate of the rod's length?

• A) 25.1 cm

• B) 25.2 cm

• C) 25.3 cm

• D) 25.4 cm

Which of the following would NOT improve the precision of a measurement?

• A) Using a digital instrument instead of an analog one

• B) Taking more readings and calculating the average

• C) Using an instrument with finer scale divisions

• D) Rounding the final answer to fewer significant figures

What is meant by the "resolution" of a measuring instrument?

• A) The accuracy of its measurements

• B) The smallest change in the quantity being measured that can be detected

• C) The range of values it can measure

• D) The speed at which it can take measurements

When combining measurements with different units, what must be done before performing calculations?

• A) Round all measurements to the same number of significant figures

• B) Convert all measurements to the same unit system

• C) Multiply all measurements by their respective uncertainties

• D) Take the average of all measurements

What is the significance of calibrating a measuring instrument?

• A) It ensures the instrument is always accurate

• B) It eliminates all sources of error

• C) It allows for consistent and reliable measurements

• D) It increases the resolution of the instrument

How does the precision of a measurement differ from its accuracy?

• A) Precision refers to how close a measurement is to the true value, while accuracy refers to the consistency of measurements

• B) Precision is the number of significant figures, while accuracy is the smallest division on the measuring instrument

• C) Precision is the range of values an instrument can measure, while accuracy is the speed of taking measurements

• D) Precision is the resolution of the instrument, while accuracy is the range of values it can measure