Uncertainty

Which of the following best describes the term "uncertainty" in a measurement?

• The difference between the highest and lowest values measured.

• The degree of doubt in a measurement result.

• The error in calculating a result.

• The average value of all measurements.

If the length of a wire is measured as 2.56±0.02 cm, what is the percentage uncertainty?

• 0.78%

• 0.88%

• 1.25%

• 2.00%

The time taken for 10 oscillations is measured as 12.0±0.2 s. What is the uncertainty in the time for one oscillation?

If two measured quantities, A=5.0±0.1 and B=2.0±0.1, are multiplied, what is the percentage uncertainty in the product?

• 3%

• 4%

• 5%

• 6%

Match the following uncertainty terms with their correct definitions by drawing connecting lines from the name to the definition.

A student measures the mass of an object to be 125.4 g with an uncertainty of ±0.2g.

Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the measurement.

Mathematical Equivalence

ON

9. You are given the following measurements:

   • Time for 10 swings: 15.0 s

   • Uncertainty in time: ±0.3 s

   • The time for one swing will be ​​ (a)   and the absolute uncertainty in the time for one swing will be ​ (b)   .

• 15 seconds
• 0.03 seconds
• 1.5 seconds, 0.03 seconds
• 150 seconds, 3 seconds
• 0.15 seconds, 0.003 seconds

Define the term accurate.

Define the term precision.