September 21st, 2010: Experimental Accuracy (Zac)

- In general, the maximum accuracy of any measurement is 1/2 of the smallest division of the measuring device
- A ruler with measurements of millimieters has a maximum accuracy of  plus or minus .5 mm.
Expressing Error
- Error is a fundamental part of science
- There are usually 3 reasons for error
1. Physical errors in the measuring device
2. 'Sloppy' measuring
3. Changing ambient conditions
Calculated Errors
- There are two different errors, absolute & percentage error 
Absolute Error
- Measured value minus accepted value 
Absolute Error = Measured - Accepted
Percent Error
- Most Common
- Eg.