Objectives
Define accuracy Define precision Compare accuracy & precision Use significant figures
Accuracy
Accuracy refers to how closely a measurement matches the true or actual values
To be accurate only requires the true value (bulls eye) & one measurement (for the arrow to hit the target) Highly accurate data can be costly and difficult to acquire
Precision
Precision refers to the reproducibility of the measurement and exactness of description in a number.
To decide on precision, you need several measurements (notice multiple arrow holes), and you do not need to know the true value (none of the values are close to the target but all the holes are close together.)
In order to be accurate and precise, one must pay close attention to detail to receive the same results every time as well as hit the target.
To win the tournament the archers must hit the target the most times. The winner must show accuracy & precision.
BAD BAD precision. The 1st archer has _____ accuracy & ____ BAD The 2nd archer has _____ accuracy &GOOD ____ precision. GOOD accuracy & GOOD The 3rd archer has _____ ____ precision. GOOD accuracy & _____ BAD The 4th archer has _____ precision
Example 1
A sample is known to weigh 3.182 g. Jane weighed the sample five different times with the resulting data. Which measurement was the most accurate?
3.200 g
3.180 g 3.152 g
3.189 g
Example 2
Consider the data (in cm) for the length of an object as measured by three students. The length is known to be 14.5 cm. Which student had the most precise work, and which student had the most accurate work? Trial 1 Student 14.8 A Student 14.7 B Student 14.4 C Trial 2 14.7 14.2 14.4 Trial 3 14.8 14.6 14.5 Trial 4 14.7 14.6 14.4 Trial 5 14.8 14.8 14.5
Solution
Most precise: Student A (0.1 cm difference)
Most accurate: Student C (2 were true value, rest within 0.1 cm)
Significant Figures
= 3 SD - 206 = 3 SD - 100,001 = 6 SD
- 0.00024200
(4 SD) (5 SD)
Counting SDs
How many significant digits are in the following numbers? A. 1235 B. 2020 C. 235.0 D. 0.0270 E. 235 F. 0.00010900 G. 65,100 H. 19,620,000,000 I. 102, 800
100 ml
Estimated to the tens place
99.9 mL
Estimated to the tenths place
S.F.s will provide a way to determine how many numbers to report in a measurement or calcualtion!
Example 1: