Understanding Accuracy and Precision II

What does accuracy in data collection refer to?

• How close the measurements are to each other

• How close a measurement is to the true value

• The number of measurements taken

• The speed of data collection

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-3

NGSS.HS-PS2-5

Which of the following options best describes accuracy in data collection?

• The ability to measure quickly

• How close the measurements are to each other

• The accuracy of a single measurement

• The number of measurements taken

A scientist measures the boiling point of water three times and obtains 100.1°C, 100.2°C, and 100.0°C. What can be said about these measurements?

• They are precise but not accurate

• They are accurate but not precise

• They are both accurate and precise

• They are neither accurate nor precise

If a set of measurements are all very close to each other but far from the true value, what can be said about them?

• They are accurate but not precise

• They are precise but not accurate

• They are both accurate and precise

• They are neither accurate nor precise

A chef aims to make pancakes with a diameter of 10 inches. If all the pancakes are 9 inches, what is true about the chef's work?

• The pancakes are precise but not accurate

• The pancakes are accurate but not precise

• The pancakes are both accurate and precise

• The pancakes are neither accurate nor precise

Explain why both accuracy and precision are important in scientific observations.

• They ensure that measurements are made quickly

• They help track and report project results

• They allow for reproducibility and correction of results

• They reduce the number of measurements needed

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS3-4

A student measures the length of a table three times and records 2.0 m, 2.1 m, and 2.0 m. The actual length is 2.0 m. Discuss the accuracy and precision of these measurements.

• Accurate but not precise

• Precise but not accurate

• Both accurate and precise

• Neither accurate nor precise

How can a mnemonic device help differentiate between accuracy and precision?

• By simplifying the measurement process

• By providing a quick reference for correctness and reproducibility

• By reducing the number of measurements needed

• By ensuring faster data collection

In a laboratory experiment, a student consistently measures the chemical reaction time as 5.2 seconds, while the true reaction time is 5.0 seconds. What does this indicate about the student's measurements?

• They are precise but not accurate

• They are accurate but not precise

• They are both accurate and precise

• They are neither accurate nor precise

Why might a scientist prioritize both accuracy and precision in their work?

• To ensure faster data collection

• To improve the reliability and validity of their findings

• To reduce the number of experiments needed

• To increase the complexity of their experiments

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

NGSS.HS-PS2-5