Accuracy vs. Precision

Four instruments give the following masses (shown in parentheses) for the same object. The object’s acceptable mass value is 6.73 g. Which instrument is the most accurate?

• Instrument A (6.73g)

• Instrument B (6.7111 g)

• Instrument C (6.2513g)

• Instrument C (6.69455g)

Four instruments give the following masses (shown in parentheses) for the same object. The object’s acceptable mass value is 5.20 g. Which instrument is the most precise?

• Instrument A (5.201 g)

• Instrument B (5.20 g)

• Instrument C (5.201 g)

• Instrument D (4.91263 g)

You have three laboratory scales. Each scale has a rating (shown in parentheses) that indicates the “smallest mass” that it can measure. Which instrument is the most precise?

• Scale A (10 g)

• Scale B (0.01 g)

• Scale C (0.1 g)

• All are equally precise.

You have three laboratory scales. Each scale has a rating (shown in parentheses) that indicates the “smallest mass” that it can measure. Which instrument is the most accurate?

• Scale A (10 g)

• Scale C (0.1 g)

• There is no way to tell from the information given.

• Both are equally accurate.

The lines on a ruler designate how ___________ the ruler can be in a measurement.

• accurate

• calibrated

• standard

• precise

The standard unit of measuring mass is

• pounds

• kilograms

• meters

• liters

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

The metric standard of measuring volume is

• ounces

• Kelvins

• liters

• meters squared

The prefix kilo means

• 100

• 1000

• 1/10

• 1,000,000

The prefix for 1/10 is

• mega

• deka

• centi

• deci

The smaller the value of the markings on an instrument the more _______________ the instrument

• precise

• accurate

• standard

• scientific