Key Points: 1. Measurements and Their Errors

• Random error

  Measurements vary due to unpredictable circumstances. They cannot be corrected and can only be mitigated by making more measurements and calculating a new mean.
• Systematic error


  When the original experimenter repeats the investigation using the same method and equipment and obtains the same results.
• Reproducible


  When somebody else repeats the investigation or the investigation is performed using different equipment or techniques and the same results are obtained.
• Resolution


  The smallest change in a quantity being measured that gives a perceptible change in the reading.
• When adding or subtracting data with uncertainties, add the ____________.

  Absolute Uncertainties
• When multiplying or dividing data with uncertainties, add the ____________.

  Percentage Uncertainties
• When raising data with an uncertainty to a power, multiply the _____________ by that power.

  Percentage Uncertainty
• When multiplying data with an uncertainty by a constant, multiply the ________________ by that constant but ___________________.

  Absolute uncertainty / not the percentage uncertainty