What type of error is shown by the results in Table 7?
Answer options:
A.
Random error
B.
Systematic error
C.
Zero error
How to approach this question
Consider the types of error:\n- **Random error:** Causes readings to be scattered around the true value. It can be reduced by taking repeats and calculating a mean.\n- **Systematic error:** Causes all readings to be consistently wrong by the same amount (e.g., a faulty thermometer always reads 2°C too high).\nLook at the results in Table 7. Are they all identical, or do they vary unpredictably around the mean?
Full Answer
A.Random error✓ Correct
The results in Table 7 (16.2, 16.6, 16.8, 16.4) are all slightly different and are spread around the mean value of 16.5 °C. This unpredictable variation in measurements is known as random error. It can be caused by factors like misjudging the reading on the thermometer, variations in reaction time when stopping the measurement, or fluctuations in ambient temperature. Taking multiple readings and calculating a mean helps to reduce the effect of random error.
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