Republic of the Philippines Department of Education National Capital Region

DIVISION OF CITY SCHOOL–SMANILA

Manila Educat ion Center Arroceros Forest Park Antonio J.
Villegas St. Ermita, Manila

GENERAL
PHYSICS 1
Accuracy vs Precision

Quarter 1 Week 1 Module 2

Learning Competency: Differentiate accuracy from

precision (STEM_GP12EU-Ia2)

1
HOW TO USE THIS MODULE
Before starting the module, I want you to set aside other tasks that will disturb you
while enjoying the lessons. Read the simple instructions below to successfully enjoy the
objectives of this kit. Have fun!

1. Follow carefully all the contents and instructions indicated in every page of this
module.
2. Write on your notebook the concepts about the lessons. Writing enhances
learning, that is important to develop and keep in mind.
3. Perform all the provided activities in the module.
4. Let your facilitator/guardian assess your answers using the answer key card.
5. Analyze conceptually the posttest and apply what you have learned.
6. Enjoy studying!

PARTS OF THE MODULE

• Expectations - These are what you will be able to know after completing the
lessons in the module.
• Pre-test - This will measure your prior knowledge and the concepts to be
mastered throughout the lesson.
• Looking Back to your Lesson - This section will measure what learnings and
skills did you understand from the previous lesson.
• Brief Introduction - This section will give you an overview of the lesson.
• Activities - This is a set of activities you will perform with a partner.
• Remember - This section summarizes the concepts and applications of the
lessons.
• Check your Understanding - It will verify how you learned from the lesson.
• Post-test - This will measure how much you have learned from the entire module.

Lesson

1 Accuracy and Precision

EXPECTATIONS
You will have to differentiate accuracy from precision.

Specifically, this module will help you to:

• Distinguish accuracy and precision

1
 • Cite examples of accurate and precise measurements.

Let us start your journey in discovering more about accuracy and precision in
measurement. I am sure you are ready and excited to answer the Pretest. Smile and
cheer up!

PRETEST
Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. How close a measurement is to the standard value is called .

A. Accuracy B. significant C. precision D.
estimate
2. When a set of measurements is consistent, it has A. low
accuracy C. low precision B. high accuracy D.
high precision
3. The diagram demonstrates A. low
accuracy, low precision
B. low accuracy, high precision
C. high, accuracy, high precision
D. high accuracy, low precision
4. The volume of a liquid is 26.0 mL. A student measures the volume and
finds it to be 26.2 mL, 26.1 mL, 25.9 mL, and 26.3 mL in the first, second,
third, and fourth trial, respectively. Which of the following statements is true for
his measurements?
A. They are neither precise nor accurate.
B. They have poor accuracy.
C. They have good precision.
D. They have poor precision.
5. Which diagram illustrates high accuracy and high precision?

Great! You finished answering the questions. You may request your facilitator to check your
work. Congratulations and keep on learning!
LOOKING BACK TO YOUR LESSON
We use instruments to measure physical quantities. Thus, our goal is to get an
accurate and precise measurement.
Read the statements below, put a check( /) if it has to be followed and cross
(x) if not.

1. Calibrate your equipment

2. Control your environment

3. Place the eye in such that the line of view is perpendicular to the scale
read such as using graduated cylinder.

4. Perform only one trial in measurement.

5. Make sure the spring is not loaded beyond the elastic limit.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions.” -Grace Murray
Hopper

Because theories are based on observation and experiment, careful measurement

are very important in physics. But in reality, no measurement is perfect. In
describing the imperfection, there are two factors to consider: accuracy and
precision of measurement. Although these two terms are sometimes
interchangeable, they have specific definition.

The table below explains the difference between accuracy and precision.
 The environment where tests and calibrations are performed can have an influence
on uncertainty in measurement results. Variables such as temperature, humidity,
pressure, gravity, elevation, vibration, stress, strain, lighting, etc. can impact the
measurement result. Some tests and calibrations are more sensitive to certain
environmental factors than others. Therefore, it is important to have expertise
related to the specific measurement discipline or system which is being evaluated.
An oversight on the influence of the environment not only impacts uncertainty, but
may result in additional measurement error.

When taking scientific measurements, it is important to be both accurate and

precise. Accuracy represents how close a measurement comes to its true value. This
is important because bad equipment, poor data processing or human error can lead
to inaccurate results that are not very close to the truth. Precision is how close a
series of measurements of the same thing are to each other. Measurements that are
imprecise do not properly identify random errors and can yield a widespread result.
Being able to make accurate measurements is crucial not only for making sure you
can buy the right size rug, but also in many other fields, such as construction,
science, and engineering.

Note: You can perform the following activities through collaborating with a partner. You can first
answer the activities individually then just communicate your results after.
ACTIVITIES

Activity 1.1: Is it accurate or precise?

A. Given dart diagrams below, determine if it shows accuracy and/or

precision.

I it accurate? : Yes / No I it accurate? : Yes / No Is it accurate? : Yes / No

s it precise? : Yes / No s it precise? : Yes / No Is it precise? : Yes / No
Is Is
B. Illustrate in the dart board the folowing:

high accuracy, high high accuracy, low precision

precision

low accuracy, high precision low accuracy, low precision

Activity 1.2: Think and Analyze!

Analyze the cases below then interpret whether the data are accurate and/or
precise.
 The actual value of the Density of gold A group of students worked in separate
is 19.32g/cm3. teams to measure the length of an
object. Here are their data:
The students performed the experiment
and obtained the following data: Team1 5.80cm Team 4 5.90
Trial 1 19.25g/cm3 Team 2 5.75cm Team 5 5.50
Trial 2 19.41g/cm3 Team 3 5.90cm Team 6 5.55
Trial 3 19.30g/cm3
Does is show accuracy?
Why?
Average = 19.32g/cm3
Are the data precise?
Is it precise?
Why?
Why?

Is it accurate?
Why?

The actual value of the speed of light is The actual value of the index of
3x108m/s. refraction of diamond is 2.42

The students performed the experiment The students performed the experiment
and obtained the following data: and obtained the following data:
Trial 1 1.5 x108m/s Trial 1 6.1
Trial 2 6.3 x108m/s Trial 2 6.2
Trial 3 9.2 x108m/s Trial 3 6.0

Average = 5.67 x108m/s Average = 6.1

Is it precise? Is it precise?
Why? Why?

Is it accurate? Is it accurate?
Why? Why?

REMEMBER
• Accuracy is the closeness of set of measures to a standard value.
• Precision is the closeness of measurement to each other.
CHECKING YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Create a Venn diagram of accuracy and precision.

Accuracy Precision
POSTTEST
Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. It refers to how close measurements of the same item are to each other.
A. Accuracy B. precision C. estimation D. variation
2. Measured data are accurate if
A. they are close with each other
B. they are close to the standard value
C. they are gathered in laboratory
D. they are gathered by two or more experimenters

For numbers 3-5, refer to the given diagram

3. Which diagram best illustrates low accuracy and low precision?

4. Which diagram best illustrates high precision and low accuracy?
5. Which diagram best illustrates high precision and high accuracy?
REFLECTIVE LEARNING SHEET
Name: Grade & Section:

Accuracy vs Precision
REFLECTIVE LEARNING SHEET No. 2

Directions: Fill in the diagram below to reflect on what have you learned from this
module. Have fun and enjoy!
 REFERENCES
https://manoa.hawaii.edu/exploringourfluidearth/physical/world-ocean/map-
distortion/practicesscience-precision-vs- accuracy#:~:text=Accuracy%20refers%20to
%20how%20close,item%20are%20to%20each%2
0other.

Langabee, Joanne. 2005. Physics in Context. Cord Communications. Waco, Texas.

Development Team of the Module Writers: Cielito D. Tabigue, MT II

Editors: Rebecca M. Roxas-EPS
Reviewers: Ferdinand C. Bautista, MT II
Management Team: Malcolm S. Garma, Regional Director
Genia V. Santos, CLMD Chief
Dennis M. Mendoza, Regional EPS in Charge of LRMS and Regional
ADM Coordinator
Maria Magdalena M. Lim, CESO V, Schools Division
Superintendent-Manila Aida
H. Rondilla, CID Chief
Lucky S. Carpio, Division EPS in Charge of LRMS and Division ADM Coordinator
 ANSWER SHEET in General Physics 1 Module
Quarter 1 - Week 1 - Module 2 : Accuracy vs Precision

Name: Grade/ Sec. Score:

Teacher: School: Date:

General Directions: Write your answers here from Pre-Test to Post-Test including
the answers in the activities. Detach and submit this part to your teacher
upon his/her direction which usually given after you have completed this
module.

PRE-TEST
1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

LOOKING BACK TO YOUR LESSON

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)
ACTIVITIES
Activity 1.1: Is it accurate or precise?

A.

Is it accurate? : Yes / No Is it accurate? : Yes / No Is it accurate? : Yes / No

Is it precise? : Yes / No Is it precise? : Yes / No Is it precise? : Yes / No

B.

high accuracy, high high accuracy, low precision

precision

low accuracy, high precision low accuracy, low precision

 Activity 1.2: Think and Analyze!

The actual value of the Density of A group of students worked in

gold is 19.32g/cm3. separate teams to measure the length
of an object. Here are their data:
The students performed the
experiment and obtained the Team1 5.80cm Team 5.90
following data: 4
Trial 1 19.25g/cm3
Team 5.75cm Team 5.50
Trial 2 19.41g/cm3
2 5
Trial 3 19.30g/cm3
Team 5.90cm Team 5.55
3 6

Average = 19.32g/cm3 Does is show accuracy?

Why?
Is it precise?
Why?
Are the data precise?
Why?
Is it accurate?
Why?

The actual value of the speed of light The actual value of the index of
is 3x108m/s. refraction of diamond is 2.42

The students performed the The students performed the

experiment and obtained the experiment and obtained the
following data: following data:
Trial 1 1.5 x108m/s Trial 1 6.1
Trial 2 6.3 x108m/s Trial 2 6.2
Trial 3 9.2 x108m/s Trial 3 6.0

Average = 5.67 x108m/s Average = 6.1

Is it precise? Is it precise?

Why? Why?

Is it accurate? Is it accurate?
Why? Why?
CHECKING YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Accuracy Precision

POSTTEST
1)

2)

3)

4)

5)