Percent Error Calculation Concepts

Mr. Claus provides a tutorial on using the percent error formula, explaining its purpose in measuring the accuracy of calculated values against known values. He uses the example of calculating the density of silver to demonstrate the formula, which involves subtracting the accepted value from the calculated value, taking the absolute value, dividing by the accepted value, and multiplying by 100 to get the percent error. The tutorial includes a step-by-step calculation, resulting in a percent error of 5.7% for the example provided.

What is the primary purpose of calculating percent error?

• To convert units of measurement

• To find the average of multiple measurements

• To compare a calculated value with a known value

• To determine the exact value of a measurement

Which of the following is NOT a component of the percent error formula?

• Accepted value

• Average value

• Absolute value

• Calculated value

In the example provided, what was the calculated density of silver?

• 9.9 G per cm cubed

• 10.5 G per cm cubed

• 8.5 G per cm cubed

• 11.0 G per cm cubed

What is the accepted value of the density of silver used in the example?

• 10.5 G per cm cubed

• 9.9 G per cm cubed

• 8.5 G per cm cubed

• 11.0 G per cm cubed

What is the first step in calculating percent error?

• Add the calculated and accepted values

• Divide by the accepted value

• Subtract the accepted value from the calculated value

• Multiply by 100

Why is the subtraction in the percent error formula enclosed in absolute value bars?

• To ensure the result is always positive

• To make the calculation easier

• To simplify the formula

• To allow for unit conversion

After finding the absolute difference, what is the next step in the percent error calculation?

• Multiply by 100

• Subtract the calculated value from the accepted value

• Add the calculated and accepted values

• Divide by the accepted value

Which value is used as the denominator in the percent error formula?

• Calculated value

• Accepted value

• Absolute value

• Average value

If the calculated value is greater than the accepted value, what will the percent error be?

• Undefined

• Negative

• Zero

• Positive

Why is it important to use absolute value in the percent error formula?

• To ensure the error is always positive

• To make the calculation faster

• To allow for unit conversion

• To simplify the formula