Practical skills definition

• What is a control variable?

  A variable that is kept constant
• What is an independent variable?

  A factor changed to see its effect
• What is a dependent variable?

  A factor measured due to changes
• What variables go on which axes when plotting a graph?

  • Independent variable: x-axis
  • Dependent variable: y-axis
• How do you measure the gradient of a line?

  Gradient = Change in y ÷ Change in x
• What is an anomaly?

  A deviation from the expected value
• Why should anomalies be ignored when calculating a mean?

  They make the mean value less accurate
• What is precision in measurements?

  • Little spread about the mean
  • Does not indicate closeness to true value
• What is accuracy in measurements?

  Closeness of data to the actual value
• What is uncertainty in measurements?

  Interval within which actual value lies
• What is percentage uncertainty?

  Uncertainty expressed as a percentage

  
• How can you improve apparatus for accurate results?

  • Increase number of readings
  • Control external variables
  • Use precise measuring devices