ATG - 2 - GENERAL PHYSICS 1
ATG - 2 - GENERAL PHYSICS 1
Measurement Uncertainties
● Definition: A quantification of the doubt about the result of a measurement, describing the range
within which the true value is expected to lie.
● Types of Uncertainties:
o Random Uncertainties: Caused by unpredictable variations in measurement conditions (e.g.,
fluctuations in temperature, instrument sensitivity, human errors).
o Systematic Uncertainties: Result from consistent, repeatable errors in measurement (e.g.,
calibration issues, bias in instruments, environmental factors).
● Sources of Uncertainty:
o Instrumental: Inherent inaccuracies in measuring devices (e.g., limited resolution).
o Environmental: Changes in temperature, humidity, or other conditions affecting
measurements.
o Operator Error: Human mistakes in reading instruments or recording data.
o Calibration: Errors due to improper calibration of instruments.
o Methodological: Approximations or assumptions in the measurement method.
● Expressing Uncertainty:
o Absolute Uncertainty: The margin of error expressed in the same units as the measurement.
o Relative Uncertainty: Ratio of the absolute uncertainty to the measured value, often
expressed as a percentage.
o Confidence Interval: The range within which the true value is expected to lie with a certain
probability (e.g., 95% confidence level).
● Propagation of Uncertainty: When measurements are combined (e.g., in equations), uncertainties
are propagated through those calculations using specific formulas to determine the overall
uncertainty.
Measurement Deviations
● Definition: The difference between the measured value and the true or expected value, often
indicating a systematic error.
● Types of Deviations:
o Systematic Deviation: Consistent deviation from the true value (e.g., bias due to
miscalibration).
o Random Deviation: Irregular, unpredictable differences between repeated measurements due
to random errors.
● Causes of Deviations:
o Calibration Errors: Faulty or outdated calibration of instruments.
o Environmental Changes: Fluctuations in ambient conditions affecting measurements.
o Instrument Drift: Gradual deviation over time due to wear or degradation of equipment.
● Reducing Deviations:
o Regular Calibration: Frequent recalibration of instruments to ensure accuracy.
o Environmental Control: Keeping environmental conditions stable during measurements.
o Precision Instruments: Using high-precision instruments that reduce variability.
● Effects of Deviation:
o Accuracy: The closeness of the measurement to the true value is affected by deviations.
o Precision: Repeated measurements may be close to each other but still deviate from the true
value due to systematic errors.
● Random Errors: Scatter results around the true value, affecting precision. Reduced through
repetition.
Synthesis
Measurement uncertainties arise from two primary types of errors: systematic errors and random errors. Both
play distinct roles in affecting the reliability of measurements, influencing either accuracy or precision, but
together they contribute to the overall uncertainty in scientific and technical measurements.
RUA of a Student’s Learning: (Remembering, Understanding, Applying)
Remembering: Define and describe uncertainties, systematic errors, and random errors.
Understanding: Differentiate between the types of errors and understand their significance in
measurements.
Applying: Apply the concepts of uncertainty and error analysis to actual measurements and problem-solving
activities.
Post-lesson Remediation Activity: (Describe the activity and use a separate sheet to copy a full-blown activity.)
Activity:
Provide students with an activity sheet where they measure various physical quantities (e.g., mass, volume,
temperature) using different instruments. They will calculate uncertainties for each measurement and
determine whether systematic or random errors are present. For remediation, offer step-by-step guidance
and feedback on error analysis and uncertainty calculations.
Prepared by:
Checked by:
Recommending Approval:
Approved by:
LUZVIMINDA P. BRITANICO
Principal, High School