Accuracy and Precision Self-Quiz

Define accuracy.

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Define precision.

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John measures the mass of a rock and finds it to be 12.21 kg. He states that his measurement is both accurate and precise. For what two reasons is his statement incorrect?

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Wendy is using a poorly calibrated electronic balance to measure the mass of a crucible. Her technique in making the measurement is very careful and she repeats it three times. What will likely characterize her measurements?

• high accuracy and high precision

• high accuracy and low precision

• low accuracy and high precision

• low accuracy and low precision

Which student’s measurements have high precision but low accuracy?

• Nicole

• Matthew

• Leonard

Which student’s measurements are both accurate and precise?

• Nicole

• Matthew

• Leonard

Calculate the average of Matthew’s three measurements. Comment on his accuracy and precision.

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The deviation of a measurement is defined as the absolute value of the difference between that particular measurement and the average value. Deviation = |measured value – average value| Calculate the deviations for each of Kaitlyn’s density measurements.

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The average deviation is the sum of each individual deviation divided by the total number of measurements. Calculate the average deviation for Kaitlyn’s experiment.

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What conclusion can be drawn from an experiment in which the average deviation is very small?

• The measurements are accurate.

• The measurements are precise.

• The measurements are both accurate and precise.

• No conclusions about either accuracy or precision can be made.