2007-02-17 07:58:54 · 3 answers · asked by Stressed @_@ 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
also what is the uncertainty of a ruler in metres, centimetres, and millimetres. And what is the uncertainty of a metre in metres, centimetres, and millimetres.
2007-02-18 14:07:37 · update #1
You are looking at precision and accuracy. Precision is how precise the measurement is able to be made. If you are using a ruler that only measures in centimeters, then you will only be that precise. If you are using a ruler that measures in millimeters, then your precision will be that much greater. Accuracy is how well you are able to determine the measurement and the ability to come up with a similar measurement in subsequent experiments. If you take two different measurements under the exact same conditions, you most likely will not have the same answer. However, if your answer is within +/- 5% then you have made a fairly accurate measurement. Hope that helps!
2007-02-17 08:12:18 · answer #1 · answered by mzbe_haven 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Temperature is a factor since anything expands when it is warm and shrinks when it is cold, also the device you are measuring with, if it is a used measuring apparatus, it could be stretched and not accurate. also curves and uneven surfaces can factor in.
2007-02-17 08:07:05 · answer #2 · answered by billy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Apparatus error, and human error in making the measurement.
2007-02-17 08:04:17 · answer #3 · answered by Gervald F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋