BJU Physical Science Chapter 3

When an observer imposes his presuppositions on the observational results.

• Observational Bias

• Random Error

• Systematic Error

• Measurement Error

This is a convenient way to express very large or very small numbers; written in the format M x 10^n.

• Scientific Notation

• Decimal Notation

• Fractional Notation

• Standard Notation

An assessment of the random errors associated with a series of measurements.

• Precision

• Accuracy

• Calibration

• Repeatability

The value of a measurable dimension that represents its actual value for the purposes that the measurement intended.

• Acceptable Value

• Estimated Value

• Approximate Value

• Nominal Value

The name and the size of a portion of a dimension that has a value of 1.

• Unit

• Dimension

• Scale

• Standard

This is a digit in measurement used to communicate the precision of the measurement.

• Significant Digits

• Scientific Notation

• Measurement Units

• Standard Notation

Any measurable aspect of a “thing.” Examples: time, length, temperature, volume, or speed.

• Dimension

• Standard

• Graduated Scale

• Unit

A series of markings on an instrument related to the dimension to be measured by the instrument.

• Graduated scale

• Balance pointer

• Spring Scale

• Gauge

This evaluates how close a measurement is to the accepted value of the measurement.

• Accuracy

• Precision

• Repeatability

• Reliability

Descriptive data.

• Qualitative data

• Quantitative data

• Numerical data

• Statistical data