Which of the following best describes systematic errors?

A. Errors that are unpredictable and vary in magnitude and direction.

B. Errors that arise due to faulty equipment or incorrect calibration.

C. Errors that arise due to random fluctuations in readings.

D. Errors that can be reduced by taking the average of multiple readings.

A student measures the length of a rod multiple times and records the following values: 10.2 cm, 10.3 cm, 10.1 cm, and 10.2 cm. What is the absolute uncertainty in the measurement?

A. ± 0.05 cm

B. ± 0.1 cm

C. ± 0.2 cm

D. ± 0.3 cm

Which of the following is NOT a cause of random errors?

A. Fluctuations in readings due to environmental conditions.

B. Inaccurate calibration of equipment.

C. Observer's personal judgement in reading instruments.

D. External disturbances affecting the experiment.

In an experiment, the percentage uncertainty in the measurement of mass is 2% and the percentage uncertainty in the measurement of volume is 3%. What is the percentage uncertainty when calculating density?

A. 1%

B. 5%

C. 6%

D. 8%

Which of the following statements about uncertainties is FALSE?

A. Systematic errors can be identified and corrected.

B. Random errors can be reduced by increasing the number of measurements.

C. Absolute uncertainty is always expressed as a percentage.

D. The precision of an instrument can affect the uncertainty in measurements.

a) Define the term 'systematic error' and explain its primary cause. [3]

b) A student measures the length of a table five times and obtains the following values: 1.52 m, 1.53 m, 1.54 m, 1.53 m, and 1.52 m. Calculate the mean value and the absolute uncertainty of the measurement. [3]

a) Describe the main causes of random errors in experiments and how they can be minimised. [3]

b) A student measures the voltage across a resistor and obtains values of 5.1 V, 5.2 V, 5.0 V, 5.2 V, and 5.1 V. Determine the mean voltage and its absolute uncertainty. [3]

a) Differentiate between absolute and relative uncertainty. Provide an example for each. [3]

b) A pendulum's time period is measured as 2.05 seconds with an uncertainty of ±0.02 seconds. Calculate the percentage uncertainty. [2]

a) Define 'precision' and 'accuracy' in the context of experimental measurements. [3]

b) A scientist measures the density of a liquid three times and obtains values of 1.25 g/cm³, 1.23 g/cm³, and 1.24 g/cm³. Calculate the mean density. [2]

c) Based on the measurements in part b), determine the absolute uncertainty. [2]

a) What is the difference between a zero error and a reading error? Provide an example for each. [4]

b) If a zero error is detected in an instrument, how can it be corrected? [2]

c) A student uses a micrometre screw gauge with a zero error of -0.02 cm to measure the diameter of a wire and obtains a reading of 0.52 cm. What is the correct diameter of the wire? [3]