Physics > Basic Mathematics and Measurements > 9.0 Errors
Basic Mathematics and Measurements
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Trigonometry
2.1 Values of trigonometric angles
2.2 Trigonometric identities
2.3 Trigonometric functions in different quadrants
3.0 Basic logarithmic functions
4.0 Differentiation
4.1 Derivatives of some simple functions
4.2 Rules of differentiation
4.3 Application of differentiation
4.4 Solved examples of differentiation
5.0 Integration
6.0 Graphs
6.1 Straight line
6.2 Circle
6.3 Ellipse
6.4 Parabola
6.5 Rectangular hyperbola
6.6 Exponential function
6.7 Logarithmic functions
7.0 Significant Figures
7.1 Rules to determine the significant figures
7.2 Rules for arthimetic operation with significant figures
8.0 Rounding off
9.0 Errors
9.1 Systematic error
9.2 Random errors
9.3 Least count error
9.4 Absolute error
9.5 Mean absolute error
9.6 Relative error or fractional error
9.7 Percentage error
10.0 Combination of errors
10.1 Addition of errors
10.2 Subtraction of errors
10.3 Multiplication of errors
10.4 Division of errors
10.5 Power
11.0 Length Measuring Instruments
11.1 Vernier Callipers
11.2 Zero error of vernier calliper
11.3 Vernier calliper solved examples
11.4 Screw Gauge
11.5 Zero error of screw gauge
11.6 Screw gauge solved examples
12.0 Questions
9.1 Systematic error
2.2 Trigonometric identities
2.3 Trigonometric functions in different quadrants
4.2 Rules of differentiation
4.3 Application of differentiation
4.4 Solved examples of differentiation
6.2 Circle
6.3 Ellipse
6.4 Parabola
6.5 Rectangular hyperbola
6.6 Exponential function
6.7 Logarithmic functions
7.2 Rules for arthimetic operation with significant figures
9.2 Random errors
9.3 Least count error
9.4 Absolute error
9.5 Mean absolute error
9.6 Relative error or fractional error
9.7 Percentage error
10.2 Subtraction of errors
10.3 Multiplication of errors
10.4 Division of errors
10.5 Power
11.2 Zero error of vernier calliper
11.3 Vernier calliper solved examples
11.4 Screw Gauge
11.5 Zero error of screw gauge
11.6 Screw gauge solved examples
Systematic error: Systematic errors are those errors that tend to be in one direction, either positive or negative. Some of the sources of systematic errors are:
- Instrumental errors: These arise from the errors due to imperfect design or calibration of the measuring instrument, zero error in the instrument etc.
- Personal errors: These arise due to an individual's bias, lack of proper setting of apparatus or individual's carelessness in taking observations without observing proper precautions etc.
- Imperfection in experimental technique or procedure.
Note: We cannot completely eliminate the error, but errors can be minimised by improving experimental techniques, selecting better instruments and removing personal bias as far as possible.
Zero error: Any indication that a measuring system gives a false reading when the true value of a measured quantity is zero,
E.g. The needle on a weight machine failing to return to zero when no mass is kept.
