Accuracy and Precision in Measurement
A Grade 9 science worksheet exploring the concepts of accuracy and precision in scientific measurements, including definitions, examples, and application to real-world scenarios.
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Accuracy and Precision in Measurement
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Show all your work where applicable.
In science, the terms 'accuracy' and 'precision' are often used interchangeably in everyday language, but they have distinct meanings when it comes to scientific measurements. Understanding the difference is crucial for conducting reliable experiments and interpreting data.
1. Which term describes how close a measurement is to the true or accepted value?
Precision
Accuracy
Reliability
Validity
2. A student measures the mass of a 10.0 g standard weight three times, obtaining 9.8 g, 10.1 g, and 9.9 g. These measurements are considered:
Accurate and precise
Accurate but not precise
Precise but not accurate
Neither accurate nor precise
3. refers to the closeness of two or more measurements to each other.
4. A measurement can be precise without being if there is a systematic error in the measuring instrument.
5. If a dart thrower consistently hits the same spot on a dartboard, but far from the bullseye, their throws are accurate but not precise.
True
False
6. Describe a scenario in a scientific experiment where measurements could be precise but not accurate. Explain why this might occur.
7. The image below shows an archery target. Imagine four different archers shot arrows at this target. Describe the accuracy and precision for each of the following results:
a) All arrows are tightly grouped in the bottom left corner, far from the bullseye.
b) Arrows are scattered all over the target, with no clear pattern.
c) All arrows are tightly grouped around the bullseye.
d) Arrows are spread evenly across the entire target, but an equal number are in each ring.
8. A scientist is developing a new method to measure the concentration of a pollutant in water. They test their method on a sample known to contain exactly 50 ppm (parts per million) of the pollutant. Their first five measurements are: 48.5 ppm, 48.7 ppm, 48.6 ppm, 48.4 ppm, 48.8 ppm. Discuss the accuracy and precision of their new method based on these results. What steps might the scientist take to improve their method?