Calculating Percent Error in Science

Mr. Claus provides a tutorial on using the percent error formula, which helps measure how far off a calculated value is from a known value. He explains the formula, which involves subtracting the accepted value from the calculated value, taking the absolute value, dividing by the accepted value, and multiplying by 100. An example is given using the density of silver, showing how to calculate a percent error of 5.7%.

What is the purpose of calculating percent error?

• To convert units from one system to another

• To determine how accurate a calculated value is compared to a known value

• To find the exact value of a measurement

• To calculate the average of multiple measurements

Which of the following is NOT a component of the percent error formula?

• Average value

• Calculated value

• Accepted value

• Absolute value

In the percent error formula, why is the difference between calculated and accepted values taken in absolute terms?

• To make the formula more complex

• To avoid using a calculator

• To ensure the result is always positive

• To simplify the calculation

What is the calculated value used in the example for the density of silver?

• 8.5 G per cm cubed

• 9.9 G per cm cubed

• 11.0 G per cm cubed

• 10.5 G per cm cubed

What is the first step in calculating percent error using a calculator?

• Divide by the accepted value

• Add the calculated and accepted values

• Subtract the accepted value from the calculated value

• Multiply by 100

After finding the difference between the calculated and accepted values, what is the next step?

• Divide by the accepted value

• Square the result

• Add the values together

• Multiply by 100

What is the final step in calculating percent error?

• Subtract the calculated value from the accepted value

• Add the calculated and accepted values

• Multiply the result by 100

• Divide the result by 100

What is the percent error calculated in the example?

• 7.2%

• 6.3%

• 5.7%

• 4.5%

If the calculated density of a material is 8.0 G per cm cubed and the accepted density is 8.5 G per cm cubed, what is the percent error?

• 5.88%

• 8.33%

• 7.14%

• 6.25%

Why is it important to understand percent error in scientific experiments?

• To assess the accuracy of experimental results

• To eliminate the need for repeated experiments

• To ensure all measurements are perfect

• To convert measurements into different units