Accuracy vs. Precision Practice

Front

What is the definition of accuracy in measurements?

Back

Accuracy refers to how close a measured value is to the true value.

Front

What is the definition of precision in measurements?

Back

Precision refers to the consistency and repeatability of measurements, regardless of their closeness to the true value.

Front

If a set of measurements is close to each other but far from the true value, how is it described?

Back

The measurements are described as precise but not accurate.

Front

What does it mean if measurements are both precise and accurate?

Back

It means the measurements are consistently close to each other and also close to the true value.

Front

What does it mean if measurements are neither precise nor accurate?

Back

It means the measurements are not consistent with each other and are also far from the true value.

Front

How can you determine if a measurement is precise?

Back

A measurement is precise if repeated measurements yield similar results.

Front

How can you determine if a measurement is accurate?

Back

A measurement is accurate if it is close to the true or accepted value.

Front

What is an example of high precision but low accuracy?

Back

A set of measurements that are all 10.1 cm when the true value is 15.0 cm.

Front

What is an example of high accuracy but low precision?

Back

A set of measurements that are 14.9 cm, 15.1 cm, 15.0 cm, but vary widely.

Front

What is the relationship between accuracy and precision?

Back

Accuracy and precision are related but distinct; a measurement can be accurate but not precise, precise but not accurate, both, or neither.