11.1 Uncertainties and Errors in Measurements and Results

In this class we started a new topic on the uncertainties that can occur during measurements and results.

We had to understand the difference between Random Errors and Systematic Errors. 

Random Errors: errors that can from from the equipment used e.g. stopwatch. this can be reduced by doing an experiment more than once.

Systematic Errors: this can occur from a poor experimental design and cannot be fixed by repeated trials.

Also we learned how to find uncertainties in both analogue and digital devices.

For analogue devices = ± half of the smallest increment (reading)

For digital devices = ±smallest reading.

If u are adding or subtracting values with uncertainties, you add both the values together and then both the uncertainties. However, if you are multiplying or dividing you multiply/divide the values BUT you need to change the uncertainties into a percentage and add the two percentages.

e.g.   (a ± Δa)(b ± Δb) = (ab)±[ (Δa/a x 100)% + (Δb/b x 100)%]