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Glossary
Accuracy Dependent variable Error Independent variable Percentage uncertainty The degree to which a measurement matches the true value of the quantity that is being measured. This is a qualitative term only. A variable physical quantity, the values of which are not chosen by the person doing the experiment, but change with another variable ie the independent variable. An offset or deviation (either positive or negative) from the true value. A variable physical quantity, the values of which are chosen by the person doing the experiment.

Percentage uncertainty =

Uncertainty of measurement x 100% Measurement taken

Precision of an instrument Random error

This is a term meaning 'fineness of discrimination'. In practice, it is the smallest scale division on an instrument that can be read. An unpredictable error that has no pattern or bias. To reduce the effects of random errors when measuring a quantity it is necessary to take the mean of several values. The difference between the smallest value and the largest value of a set of readings. The extent to which a reading or measurement gives the same value when a quantity is measured several times under the same conditions. The change in response of an instrument divided by the corresponding change in stimulus. For example, the sensitivity of a thermometer is expressed in mm/oC An error that has a pattern or bias, for example, errors caused by background lighting. This type of error adds or subtracts the same value to each measurement that is taken. The value that would be obtained if there were no errors in the measurement of that value. A range of values which are likely to contain the true value. The level of confidence that is associated with a measurement or conclusion. An error that is caused when an instrument does not read true zero, eg a spring balance may not read zero when there is nothing hanging from it. This type of error is a form of systematic error.

Range

Reliability

Sensitivity

Systematic error True value

Uncertainty Validity Zero error

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Tutor support materials Edexcel GCE in Physics Guidance for the A2 practical assessment Issue 1 February 2009 Edexcel Limited 2009