2.3 Review & Reinforcement
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Uncertainty in Measurement
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1. Define the terms precision and accuracy. Explain the difference between the terms using an example.
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2. Why are measurements always uncertain? ________________________________________________
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3. Name at least four kinds of measurements that are frequently made in the laboratory.
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4. Why is estimation a necessary part of making measurements? ________________________________
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5. What is the “standard” (accepted value) in a game of darts? __________________________________
6. Explain the phrase, “an instrument is only as good as its operator.” ____________________________
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7. What factors determine the precision of an instrument? ______________________________________
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8. What variable determines the accuracy of an instrument? ____________________________________
9. Read the level of the liquid in each of these graduated cylinders to the nearest 0.01 mL. Remember to
read the volumes at the meniscus.
10. An electronic balance shows the mass of a sample of sodium chloride to be 29.732 g. What is the
uncertainty of the measurement? _________________ In what range can the true value exist?
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