Quiz on Precision, Accuracy, and Measurement in Science

What does precision in science refer to?

• How close measurements are to the true value

• How close together repeated measurements are

• The reliability of results

• The range of an instrument

What is accuracy in measurements?

• The ability to repeat experiments

• The closeness of measurements to each other

• The closeness of measurements to the true value

• The difference between maximum and minimum readings

What type of error is caused by equipment problems?

• Random Errors

• Measurement Errors

• Systematic Errors

• Calibration Errors

Which of the following is an example of a systematic error?

• Not looking at the measuring tool from the same angle

• A scale not set to zero correctly

• Using different measuring tools

• Variations in temperature during an experiment

What can help reduce random errors in measurements?

• Calibrating the equipment

• Taking more measurements

• Using a single measurement

• Using a different method

What is the range of an instrument?

• The precision of the instrument

• The difference between maximum and minimum measurements

• The average of all measurements

• The accuracy of the readings

Which of the following is a linear measuring instrument?

• pH Meter

• Sound Level Meter

• Thermometer

• Measuring Cylinder

What defines a non-linear scale?

• It is always more accurate

• Equal changes correspond to equal distances

• It measures temperature only

• Equal changes correspond to unequal distances

Which instrument uses a non-linear scale?

• Measuring Cylinder

• pH Meter

• Spring Balance

• Meter Rule

What is parallax error?

• Error from incorrect calibration

• Error from not looking at the measuring tool from the same angle

• Error from taking too few measurements

• Error due to equipment malfunction