A value for the acceleration of free fall on Earth is given as (10+-2) m s-2. Which statement is correct?
Correct answer: A. The value is accurate but not precise
- A. The value is accurate but not precise
- B. The value is both accurate and precise.
- C. The value is neither precise nor accurate.
- D. The value is precise but not accurate.
Explanation
The 'true' value of the acceleration of free fall is 9.81 m s-2.From the value given in the question, the acceleration of free fall can be from (10 -2 =) 8 ms-2 to (10 + 2 =) 12 ms-2.The true value (= 9.81 ms-2) lies within the range given by the uncertainty, and therefore the stated value is accurate. Precision deals with how small or large the uncertainty is. A precise set of measurements would have a small scatter of readings. Here, the value is not precise as the uncertainty is large
Last updated
About Measurements
Physical quantities are expressed with SI base and derived units, while measurement limits are described through accuracy, precision, absolute and percentage error, and significant figures. Dimensional analysis checks equations, derives relationships and detects inconsistent units, but it cannot determine numerical constants or distinguish quantities with identical dimensions.
Practise Measurements
262 free Measurements MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Exams that ask Physics questions like this
Physics is on 9 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.