Accuracy & Precision

Two important points in measurement

Accuracy and Precision Objective:

Explain the difference between the accuracy and precision.

Definitions
Accuracy and Precision sounds like the same thing

is there a difference??

Accuracy = how close a measured value is to the actual (true) value.

Accura cy

For example, we would expect a balance to read 100 grams if we placed a standard 100 g weight on it. If it doesnt, then the balance is inaccurate.

Precision
Precision

= how close the measured values are to each other.

Precision = how close a measurement is to other measurements of the same thing.

A precise instrument also gives a consistent reading when it is used repeatedly for the same measurements. E.g.

A beaker is weighed on A, 3 times: The readings are: 73 g, 77 g, 71 g It is then weighed on B, 3 times: The readings are: 75 g, 73 g, 74 g

Which scale is more precise?

Balance B has better precision. Its readings are grouped closer together.

Can you hit the bull's-eye?

Three targets with three arrows each to shoot.
How do they compare?

Both accurate and precise

Precise but not accurate

Not accurate or precise

Can you define accuracy vs. precision?

Determining accuracy and precision

Weight of person who weighs about 125 pounds

Time

8 a.m.

Scale 1 PRECISE, BUT NOT ACCURATE 110 pounds

Scale 2 ACCURATE AND PRECISE 124 pounds

Scale 3 NOT ACCURATE NOT PRECISE

142 pounds

Noon

113 pounds

126 pounds

103 pounds

4 p.m.

109 pounds

125 pounds

115 pounds

8 p.m.

110 pounds

126 pounds

129 pounds

Learning Check: Accuracy

Who

is more accurate when measuring a book that has a true length of 17.0 cm? (Accuracy = how close a measurement is to the correct or accepted value.) Susan: 17.0 cm, 16.0 cm, 18.0 cm, 15.0 cm Amy: 15.5 cm, 15.0 cm, 15.2 cm, 15.3 cm

Learning Check: Precision

Who is more precise when measuring the same 17.0 cm book? Susan: 17.0 cm, 16.0 cm, 18.0 cm, 15.0 cm Amy: 15.5 cm, 15.0 cm, 15.2 cm, 15.3 cm

Learning Check: Precision

Precision = how close a measurement is to other

measurements of the same thing.

Which set is more precise? 18.2 , 18.4 , 18.35 - SET 1 17.9 , 18.3 , 18.85 - SET 2 16.8 , 17.2 , 19.44 - SET 3

Accuracy vs. Precision

High Accuracy High Precision High Precision Low Accuracy

Graduated CylinderMeniscus and Parallax

Beware of Parallax the apparent shift in position when viewed at a different angle.

Learning Check

Which set of measurements of a 2.00-g standard weight is the most precise?

A. 2.00 g, 2.01 g, 1.98 g B. 2.10 g, 2.00 g, 2.20 g C. 2.02 g, 2.03 g, 2.04 g D. 1.50 g, 2.00 g, 2.50 g

Exit Quiz: Evaluate whether the following are precise, accurate or both.

Accurate Not Precise

Not Accurate Precise

Accurate Precise