Topic 3

Data evaluation :Error

7th February 2011

DrSabiha/CHM421/Dec 10-Apr11

Types of error

Systematic Error

Random Error

What is?
Sources ?
7th February 2011

DrSabiha/CHM421/Dec 10-Apr11

Systematic /Determinate error

All measuring devices are sources of
determinate errors.
Determinate error have a definite source that
usually can be identified.
They cause all the results from replicate
measurements to be either high or low.
Because the results are either high or low ,
determinate errors are also called systematic
errors.

7th February 2011

DrSabiha/CHM421/Dec 10-Apr11

3 Sources of systematic/
determinate error

Operational and personal errors

Method errors

Instrument and reagent errors

7th February 2011

DrSabiha/CHM421/Dec 10-Apr11

PERSONAL ERRORS.
Many measurements require personal judgments. Examples
include:
estimating the position of a pointer between two scale
division,
the colour of a solution at endpoint in a titration
Incorrect reading of miniscus
Bias is another source of personal error that varies
considerable from person to person
Inability to correctly followed procedures, such as
weighing sample without waiting for a complete drying
in a gravimetric analysis

7th February 2011

DrSabiha/CHM421/Dec 10-Apr11

METHOD ERRORS.
Most serious error since difficult to detect. For example :
the slowness of some reactions,
the incompleteness of reactions,
the instability of some species,
the non-specificity of most reagents,
and the possible occurrence of side reactions that
interfere with the measurement process.
A common method error in volumetric methods
results from the small excess of reagent required to
cause an indicator to undergo the colour change
that signals completion of reaction.

7th February 2011

DrSabiha/CHM421/Dec 10-Apr11

INSTRUMENT AND REAGENT ERRORS

All measuring devices are sources of determinate errors.
For example
Improperly calibrated - pipettes, burettes and volumetric
flasks may have volumes slightly different from those
indicated by their graduations
glassware at a temperature that differs significantly from
the calibration temperature
from contaminants on the inner surface of the containers.
Use of reagents containing known amount of impurities
Faulty balances

7th February 2011

DrSabiha/CHM421/Dec 10-Apr11

HOW TO AVOID SYSTEMATIC

OR DETERMINATE ERROR

Frequent Calibration of apparatus (6 monthly)

Runs a blank determination separate experiment excluding

the sample under study.

Runs a control determination separate experiment using

known standards under similar conditions to the
comparative experiment

Use of independent methods of analysis can check

accuracy of results

Runs parallel determinations against single determinations

7th February 2011

DrSabiha/CHM421/Dec 10-Apr11

RANDOM/INDETERMINATE ERRORS.
Random or indeterminate errors occur when a system of
measurement is extended to its maximum sensitivity (successive
measurements)
They are cause by the many uncontrollable variables that are an
inevitable part of every physical and chemical measurement.

The detection of this type of errors is difficult because they are

VERY SMALL and non of them can be positively identified or
measured.
The indeterminate errors are responsible for DEVIATIONS
that occur in a series of experimental data.

7th February 2011

DrSabiha/CHM421/Dec 10-Apr11