Accuracy vs. Precision in Measurement
Explore the difference between accuracy and precision in scientific measurements with this Grade 6 worksheet, featuring real-world examples and practice questions.
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Accuracy vs. Precision in Measurement
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. This worksheet will help you understand the difference between accuracy and precision in scientific measurements.
Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true or accepted value. Precision refers to how close repeated measurements are to each other.
Look at the target below to understand accuracy and precision:
1. is how close a measurement is to the true value.
2. is how close repeated measurements are to each other.
3. A dart player who always hits the same spot on the dartboard, but far from the bullseye, is said to be very , but not very .
1. Which of the following describes a measurement that is both accurate and precise?
Measurements are close to each other, but far from the true value.
Measurements are far from each other and far from the true value.
Measurements are close to each other and close to the true value.
Measurements are close to the true value, but far from each other.
2. A scientist measures the mass of a rock three times and gets 15.2g, 15.3g, and 15.1g. The actual mass of the rock is 20.0g. What can be said about the scientist's measurements?
Accurate and precise
Accurate but not precise
Precise but not accurate
Neither accurate nor precise
1. It is possible for measurements to be precise but not accurate.
True
False
2. If a measurement is accurate, it must also be precise.
True
False
1. Describe a real-world example of a situation where a measurement could be precise but not accurate.
2. Why are both accuracy and precision important in scientific experiments?