Error is the difference between the actual value and the calculated value of any physical quantity. Basically, there are three types of errors in physics, random errors, blunders, and systematic errors.
Sources of errors in physics
All measurements of physical quantities are uncertain and imprecise to some limit. There are three sources of errors.
- Negligence or inexperience of a person.
- Faulty apparatus.
- Inappropriate method or technique.
Difference between error and uncertainties
The basic difference between errors and uncertainties is that error is the difference between the calculated value and the actual value, while uncertainty is usually described as an error in measurement.
Types of errors in physics
There are two major types of errors in the measurement of physical quantities.
- Random error
- Systematic error
Random error
Random error is said to take place when repeated measurements of the quantity, give different values under the same conditions.
Reasons of random errors
It occurs due to some unknown reasons.
How can we reduce random error?
The random error can be reduced by taking several readings of the same quantity and then taking their mean value.
Systematic error
Systematic errors occur when all the measurements of physical quantities are affected equally, these give the consistent difference in the readings.
Reasons for systematic errors:
Systematic errors may occur due to:
- Zero error in measuring instrument
- Poor calibration of the instrument
- Incorrect calibration on the measuring instruments.
How can we reduce systematic errors?
We can reduce systematic errors by comparing the instrument with another instrument that is known to be more accurate. Thus, systematic error is reduced by applying a correction factor to all the readings taken on an instrument.
Frequently Asked Questions on Errors
What are the two main types of errors?
The followings are the two main types of errors:
- Random error
- Systematic errors
What are Errors in science?
In sciences errors are the Differences between the observed value and actual value in nature, basically, there are 2 main kinds of errors in science, random error, and systematic error.
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