Random errors are due to the accuracy of the equipment and systematic errors are due to how well the equipment was used or how well the experiment was controlled. To better understand the outcome of experimental data an estimate of the size of the systematic errors compared to the random errors should be considered. When writing the conclusion to your lab report you should evaluate your experiment and its results in terms of the various types of errors. When processing your experimental results, a discussion of uncertainties should be included. We therefore need to give some indication of the reliability of measurements and the uncertainties in the results calculated from these measurements. We call digits in a measurement significant figures.Īll measurements have inherent uncertainty. Whenever you take a measurement, the last recorded digit is your estimate. More accurate instruments have a smaller range of uncertainty. The range is the uncertainly of the measurement taken. We can assume that the actual measure lies either slightly above or slightly below that reading. If you were to obtain the mass of an object with a digital balance, the reading gives you a measure with a specific set of values. No measure is ever exact due to errors in instrumentation and measuring skills. Conducting research in any science course is dependent upon obtaining measurements.
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