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CIE A Level Physics Your notes

1.3 Errors & Uncertainties

Contents
Errors & Uncertainties
Calculating Uncertainties

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Errors & Uncertainties

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Random & Systematic Errors
Measurements of quantities are made with the aim of finding the true value of that quantity
In reality, it is impossible to obtain the true value of any quantity, there will always be a degree of
uncertainty
The uncertainty is an estimate of the difference between a measurement reading and the true value
Random and systematic errors are two types of measurement errors which lead to uncertainty
Random error
Random errors cause unpredictable fluctuations in an instrument’s readings as a result of
uncontrollable factors, such as environmental conditions
This affects the precision of the measurements taken, causing a wider spread of results about the
mean value
To reduce random error: repeat measurements several times and calculate an average from them
Systematic error
Systematic errors arise from the use of faulty instruments used or from flaws in the experimental
method
This type of error is repeated every time the instrument is used or the method is followed, which affects
the accuracy of all readings obtained
To reduce systematic errors: instruments should be recalibrated or the technique being used should
be corrected or adjusted
A graph showing the precision and accuracy of different sets of measurements

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Precision can only be used to describe multiple measurements - it tells us how close together those
measurements are. Imprecise measurements will have a large range, as shown by the accurate but
imprecise black line.
Zero error
This is a type of systematic error which occurs when an instrument gives a non-zero reading when the
true reading is zero
An example may be a set of mass scales showing a reading of 0.200 g when nothing is on the
scales
This introduces a fixed error into readings which must be accounted for when the results are recorded

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Precision & Accuracy

Precision of a measurement: this is how close the measured values are to each other; if a Your notes
measurement is repeated several times, then they can be described as precise when the values are
very similar to, or the same as, each other
Accuracy: this is how close a measured value is to the true value; the accuracy can be increased by
repeating measurements and finding a mean average
Diagram showing the difference between accurate results and precise results

Random errors can affect precision - the quantity is being measured accurately but each measurement
is affected differently, spreading the results out. Systematic errors can lead to precise inaccurate
results, by adding 0.5 to each value, for example, the precise results are moved away from the true
value.

Exam Tip
It is very common for students to confuse precision with accuracy or resolution. A single reading
cannot be precise - if something is measured to a high number of decimal points, it is a measurement
with high resolution.

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Calculating Uncertainties
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Calculating Uncertainty
There is always a degree of uncertainty when measurements are taken; the uncertainty can be thought of as
the difference between the actual reading taken (caused by the equipment or techniques used) and the
true value
Uncertainties are not the same as errors
Errors can be thought of as issues with equipment or methodology that cause a reading to be
different from the true value
The uncertainty is a range of values around a measurement within which the true value is expected
to lie, and is an estimate
For example, if the length of a box is measured multiple times as 12.55 cm, 12.45 cm and 12.51 cm, we
can say the length is 12.50 cm with an uncertainty of 0.05 cm,
This is often written as 12.50 ± 0.05 cm
These uncertainties can be represented in a number of ways:
Absolute Uncertainty: where uncertainty is given as a fixed quantity (as above)
Fractional Uncertainty: where uncertainty is given as a fraction of the measurement
Percentage Uncertainty: where uncertainty is given as a percentage of the measurement

absolute uncertainty
percentage uncertainty = × 100%
measured value
To find uncertainties in different situations:
The uncertainty in a reading (e.g. from a voltmeter): ± half the smallest division
The uncertainty in a measurement (e.g. from a ruler): at least ±1 smallest division
The uncertainty in repeated data: half the range i.e. ± ½ (largest - smallest value)
The uncertainty in digital readings: ± the last significant digit unless otherwise quoted
Diagram showing a reading from an ammeter

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Combining Uncertainties
When combining two measurements that both have uncertainties, the uncertainties have to be
combined too
Adding/Subtracting Data
When adding or subtracting two values with uncertainties, just add the absolute uncertainties
Adding or subtracting data example

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Multiplying/Dividing Data
When multiplying or dividing measurements with uncertainties, add their percentage uncertainties
Multiplying or dividing data example

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Raising to a power – multiply the fractional (or %) uncertainty by the power

Raising to a power example

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