Uncertainty in measurement - Accuracy and precision.
Measurement uncertainty refers to the doubt or lack of certainty in the results of a measurement. This uncertainty is influenced by various factors, including the accuracy and precision of the measuring instrument.
Accuracy refers to how close a measured value is to the true value of what is being measured. In other words, accuracy indicates the degree of correctness in a measurement. If a measuring instrument is accurate, it means that it provides measurements that are close to the true value.
Precision, on the other hand, refers to the consistency or reproducibility of a set of measured values. In other words, precision indicates the degree to which repeated measurements under the same conditions give the same results. A measuring instrument that is precise produces results that are closely clustered together.
It is important to note that accuracy and precision are not the same. An accurate measurement may not always be precise, and a precise measurement may not always be accurate. For example, if a set of measurements is clustered closely together but all are a few units off from the true value, then the measurements are precise but not accurate. Conversely, if a set of measurements are spread out but all are close to the true value, then the measurements are accurate but not precise.
In order to minimize uncertainty in measurement, it is important to consider both accuracy and precision. Using measuring instruments that are accurate and precise can help ensure that measurements are reliable and meaningful. Additionally, conducting multiple measurements and calculating the average value can help improve accuracy and reduce the impact of random errors.