Chapter 2

Accuracy vs Precision
Significant Figures
Dr. Kuwat Triyana
Drs. Sunarta, M.S.

Error
Error The deviation of a measured result
from the correct or accepted value of the
quantity being measured.

Error

There are two basic types of errors, random

and systematic.

Definitions
Random Errors cause the measured result to deviate
randomly from the correct value. The distribution of
multiple measurements with only random error
contributions will be centered around the correct value.
Some Examples

Noise (random noise)

Careless measurements
Low resolution instruments
Dropped digits
Random Errors

Definitions
Systematic Errors cause the measured result
to deviate by a fixed amount in one direction
from the correct value. The distribution of
multiple measurements with systematic error
contributions will be centered some fixed
value away from the correct value.
Some Examples:
Mis-calibrated instrument
Unaccounted cable loss
Systematic Errors

Definitions
Measurements typically contain some combination of random and
systematic errors.
Precision is an indication of the level of random error.
Accuracy is an indication of the level of systematic error.
Accuracy and precision are typically qualitative terms.

Low Precision
Low Accuracy

Low Precision
High Accuracy

High Precision
Low Accuracy

High Precision
High Accuracy

Definitions

Measurement Uncertainty combines these

concepts into a single quantitative value
representing the total expected deviation of a
measurement from the actual value being
measured.

Includes a statistical confidence in the resulting uncertainty.

Contains contributions from all components of the measurement system,
requiring an understanding of the expected statistical distribution of
these contributions.
By definition, measurement uncertainty does not typically contain
contributions due to the variability of the DUT.

The correct value of a measurement is the value

generated by the DUT at the time it is tested.
Variability of the DUT cannot be pre-determined.
Still, the uncertainty of a particular measurement result will
include this variability.

Definitions
Repeatability refers to the ability to perform
the same measurement on the same DUT
under the same test conditions and get the
same result over time.
By repeating the test setup between
measurements of a stable DUT, a statistical
determination of System Repeatability can be
made. This is simply the level of random error
(precision) of the entire system, including the
contribution of the test operator, setup, etc.

Definitions
Reproducibility typically refers to the stability
of the DUT and the ability to reproduce the
same measurement result over time using a
system with a high level of repeatability.
More generally, it refers to achieving the same
measurement result under varied conditions.

Different test equipment

Different DUT
Different Operator
Different location/test lab

Definitions
Reliability refers to producing the same result in
statistical trials. This would typically refer to the
stability of the DUT, and has connotations of
operational reliability of the DUT.
Correction - value added algebraically to the
uncorrected result of a measurement to
compensate for systematic error.
Correction Factor - numerical factor by which the
uncorrected result of a measurement is multiplied
to compensate for systematic error.
Resolution indicates numerical uncertainty of test
equipment readout. Actual uncertainty may be
larger.

Example: Accuracy

Who is more accurate when measuring a book that

has a true length of 17.0 cm?
Susan:
17.0 cm, 16.0 cm, 18.0 cm, 15.0 cm
Amy:
15.5 cm, 15.0 cm, 15.2 cm, 15.3 cm

Precision
Precision = the degree of exactness of a
measurement that is repeatedly recorded.
Which set is more precise?
18.2 , 18.4 , 18.35
17.9 , 18.3 , 18.85
16.8 , 17.2 , 19.44

Example: Precision
Who is more precise when measuring the same 17.0
cm book?
Susan:
17.0 cm, 16.0 cm, 18.0 cm, 15.0 cm
Amy:
15.5 cm, 15.0 cm, 15.2 cm, 15.3 cm

Why Is There Uncertainty?

Measurements are performed with instruments, and
no instrument can read to an infinite number of decimal
places
Which of the instruments below has the greatest
uncertainty in measurement?

Accuracy & Precision

Precision:

Accuracy:
How close you are to the
actual value
Depends on the person
measuring
Calculated by the formula:
% Error

YV AV
AV

100

Where: YV is YOUR measured Value & AV is

the Accepted Value

How finely tuned your

measurements are or
how close they can be to
each other
Depends on the
measuring tool
Determined by the
number of significant
digits

Significant Figures

The significant figures in a measurement include all of

the digits that are known, plus one last digit that is
estimated.
The numbers reported in a measurement are limited by
the measuring tool.

How many sig figs are there in a given

measurement?

Measurement and Significant Figures

Every experimental
measurement has a degree of
uncertainty.
The volume, V, at right is
certain in the 10s place,
10mL<V<20mL
The 1s digit is also certain,
17mL<V<18mL
A best guess is needed for the
tenths place.

 To indicate the precision of a measurement, the

value recorded should use all the digits known
with certainty, plus one additional estimated
digit that usually is considered uncertain by plus
or minus 1.
No further insignificant digits should be
recorded.
The total number of digits used to express such a
measurement is called the number of significant
figures.
All but one of the significant figures are known
with certainty. The last significant figure is only
the best possible estimate.

Below are two measurements of the mass of

the same object. The same quantity is being
described at two different levels of precision
or certainty.

15 Helpful Hints On The Lab Report from

Mr. Ts Vast Lab Experience!!!

Hint #5. A record of data is essential. It

fools
the instructor into thinking that you were
working.

Reading a Meterstick
. l2. . . . I . . . . I3 . . . .I . . . . I4. .
First digit (known) = 2
Second digit (known)

cm

2.?? cm
= 0.7 2.7? cm

Third digit (estimated) between

0.05- 0.08 cm

Length reported

2.77 cm

or

2.76 cm

or

2.78 cm

Known + Estimated Digits

In 2.77 cm
Known digits 2 and 7 are 100% certain
The third digit 7 is estimated (uncertain)
In the reported length, all three digits
(2.77 cm) are significant including the
estimated one

Learning Check

. l8. . . . I . . . . I9. . . . I . . . . I10. .

cm

What is the length of the line?

1) 9.31 cm

2) 9.32 cm
3) 9.33 cm
How does your answer compare with your neighbors
answer? Why or why not?

Zero as a Measured Number

. l3. . . . I . . . . I4 . . . . I . . . . I5. .

cm

What is the length of the line?

First digit
5.?? cm
Second digit
5.0? cm
Last (estimated) digit is
5.00 cm

Always estimate ONE place past the

smallest mark!

11.5 mL

So how many sig figs are there in a given

measurement?

52.8 mL

Be Wary of Wealth and Success!!

Charles Schwab, president of the largest steel company, died a

pauper.
Edward Hopson, president of the largest gas company, became
insane.
Richard Whitney, president of the New York Stock Exchange,
was released from prison to die at home.
Cosabee Rivermore, the Great Bear of Wall Street, died of
suicide.

Be Wary of Wealth and Success!!

Gene Sarazan, the U.S. Open and the PGA Golf Tournaments
Champion, went on to live a full and happy life playing golf
and remaining solvent.

Conclusion: Stop worrying about

business and start playing more
golf!!

Rule #1
Every nonzero digit is significant
Examples:
24 = 2
3.56 = 3
7 =1

Rule #2 Sandwiched 0s
Zeros between non-zeros are significant
Examples:
7003 = 4
40.9 =
3

Rule #3 Leading 0s
Zeros appearing in front of non-zero digits are not
significant
Act as placeholders
Cant be dropped, show magnitude
Examples:
0.00024 = 2
0.453 =

Rule #4 Trailing 0s with DP

Zeros at the end of a number and to the right of a
decimal point are significant.
Examples:
43.00 = 4
1.010 = 4
1.50 = 3

Rule #5 Trailing 0s without DP

Zeros at the end of a number and to the left of a
decimal point arent significant
Examples:
300
= 1
27,300 = 3

Examples:
123.003 grams
decimal present, start on P side, draw arrow,
count digits without an arrow through it.
Answer = 6
10,100 centimeters
Decimal absent, start on A side, draw an
arrow, count digits without an arrow
through it.
Answer = 3

Learning Check
State the number of significant figures in each of the
following:
A. 0.030 m
1
2
3
B. 4.050 L

C. 0.0008 g

D. 3.00 m

E. 2,080,000 bees

Learning Check
A. Which answer(s) contain 3 significant figures?
1) 0.4760

2) 0.00476

3) 4760

B. All the zeros are significant in

1) 0.00307

2) 25.300 3) 2.050 x 103

C. 534,675 rounded to 3 significant figures is

1) 535

2) 535,000

3) 5.35 x 105

Learning Check

In which set(s) do both numbers contain the same

number of significant figures?
1) 22.0 m and 22.00 m
2) 400.0 m and 40 m
3) 0.000015 m and 150,000 m

Significant figure
If we measure the acceleration of gravity g, it would be absurd to state a result like :

38

Significant figure

39

Significant figure

40

Significant figure

41

Reading a Meterstick
. l2. . . . I . . . . I3 . . . .I . . . . I4. .

cm

First digit (known)

=2

2.?? cm

Second digit (known)

= 0.7

2.7? cm

Third digit (estimated) between 0.05- 0.07

Length reported

2.75 cm
or

2.74 cm

or

2.76 cm

Known + Estimated Digits

In 2.76 cm
Known digits 2 and 7 are 100% certain
The third digit 6 is estimated (uncertain)
In the reported length, all three digits (2.76 cm)
are significant including the estimated one

Counting Significant Figures

Number of Significant Figures
38.15 cm
5.6 ft
65.6 lb
122.55 m

4
2
___
___

Complete: All non-zero digits in a measured number

are significant.
44

Leading Zeros
Number of Significant Figures
0.008 mm

0.0156 oz

0.0042 lb

____

0.000262 mL

____

Complete: Leading zeros in decimal numbers are not

significant.
45

Sandwiched Zeros
Number of Significant Figures

50.8 mm

2001 min

0.702 lb

____

0.00405 m

____

Complete: Zeros between nonzero numbers are

significant.
46

Trailing Zeros
Number of Significant Figures
25,000 in.

200 yr

48,600 gal

25,005,000 g

____

Complete: Trailing zeros in numbers without

decimals are not significant if they are serving
as place holders.
47

Learning Check
A. Which answers contain 3 significant figures?
1) 0.4760
2) 0.00476
3) 4760
B. All the zeros are significant in

1) 0.00307

2) 25.300

3) 2.050 x 103

C. 534,675 rounded to 3 significant figures is

1) 535

2) 535,000

3) 5.35 x 105
48

Solution
A. Which answers contain 3 significant figures?
2) 0.00476
3) 4760
B. All the zeros are significant in

2) 25.300

3) 2.050 x 103

C. 534,675 rounded to 3 significant figures is

2) 535,000

3) 5.35 x 105
49

Learning Check
In which set(s) do both numbers contain the
same number of significant figures?
1) 22.0 and 22.00

2) 400.0 and 40
3) 0.000015 and 150,000

50

Solution
In which set(s) do both numbers contain the
same number of significant figures?

3) 0.000015 and 150,000

51

Learning Check SF3

State the number of significant figures in each of the
following:
A. 0.030 m
1
2
3
B. 4.050 L

C. 0.0008 g

D. 3.00 m

E. 2,080,000 bees

7
52

Solution
A. 0.030 m

B. 4.050 L

C. 0.00008 g

D. 3.00 m

E. 2,080,000 bees

3
53

Significant Numbers in Calculations

A calculated answer cannot be more precise than
the measuring tool.
A calculated answer must match the least precise
measurement.
Significant figures are needed for final answers
from
1) adding or subtracting
2) multiplying or dividing
54

Adding and Subtracting

The answer has the same number of decimal
places as the measurement with the fewest
decimal places.
25.2
one decimal place
+ 1.34 two decimal places
26.54
answer 26.5 one decimal place
55

Learning Check
In each calculation, round the answer to the
correct number of significant figures.
A. 235.05 + 19.6 + 2.1 =
1) 256.75
2) 256.8
3) 257
B. 58.925 - 18.2 =
1) 40.725
2) 40.73

3) 40.7
56

Solution
A. 235.05 + 19.6 + 2.1 =
2) 256.8
B. 58.925 - 18.2 =
3) 40.7

57

Multiplying and Dividing

Round (or add zeros) to the calculated answer

until you have the same number of significant
figures as the measurement with the fewest
significant figures.

58

Learning Check
A. 2.19 X 4.2 =
1) 9

2) 9.2

3) 9.198

B. 4.311 0.07 =
1) 61.58

2) 62

3) 60

C.

2.54 X 0.0028
0.0105 X 0.060
1) 11.3

2) 11

3) 0.041
59

Solution
A.

2.19 X 4.2 =

2) 9.2

B.

4.311 0.07

C. 2.54 X 0.0028 =
0.0105 X 0.060

3) 60

2) 11

Continuous calculator operation =

2.54 x 0.0028 0.0105 0.060
60

Learning Check
A. 2.19 X 4.2 =
1) 9

2) 9.2

B. 4.311 0.07 =
1) 61.58
2) 62
C.

2.54 X 0.0028 =
0.0105 X 0.060
1) 11.3
2) 11

3) 9.198

3) 60

3) 0.041

Learning Check
. l8. . . . I . . . . I9. . . .I . . . . I10. .

cm

What is the length of the line?

1) 9.6 cm
2) 9.62 cm
3) 9.63 cm

How does your answer compare with your neighbors

answer? Why or why not?

Zero as a Measured Number

. l3. . . . I . . . . I4 . . . . I . . . . I5. .
What is the length of the line?
First digit
Second digit
Last (estimated) digit is

cm
5.?? cm
5.0? cm
5.00 cm

Always estimate ONE place past the smallest mark!

DENSITY - an important and useful

physical property
Density

Mercury

mass (g)
volume (cm3)
Platinum
Aluminum

13.6 g/cm3

21.5 g/cm3

2.7 g/cm3

Problem A piece of copper has a mass of

57.54 g. It is 9.36 cm long, 7.23 cm wide, and
0.95 mm thick. Calculate density (g/cm3).

mass
(g)
Density
volume (cm3)

Strategy
1. Get dimensions in common units.

2. Calculate volume in cubic centimeters.

3. Calculate the density.

SOLUTION

1. Get dimensions in common units.

1cm
0.95 mm
= 0.095 cm
10 mm

2. Calculate volume in cubic centimeters.

(9.36 cm)(7.23 cm)(0.095 cm) = 6.4 cm3
Note only 2 significant figures in the answer!

3. Calculate the density.

57.54 g
6.4 cm3

= 9.0 g / cm3

PROBLEM: Mercury (Hg) has a density of 13.6 g/cm3.

What is the mass of 95 mL of Hg in grams? In pounds?

PROBLEM: Mercury (Hg) has a density of 13.6 g/cm3.

What is the mass of 95 mL of Hg?
First, note that 1

cm3 = 1 mL

Strategy
1. Use density to calc. mass (g) from volume.
2. Convert mass (g) to mass (lb)
Need to know conversion factor
= 454 g / 1 lb

PROBLEM: Mercury (Hg) has a density of 13.6 g/cm3.

What is the mass of 95 mL of Hg?

1. Convert volume to mass

3

95 cm
2.

13.6 g
cm3

= 1.3 x 103 g

Convert mass (g) to mass (lb)

1 lb
1.3 x 10 g
= 2.8 lb
454 g
3

Learning Check
Osmium is a very dense metal. What is its
density in g/cm3 if 50.00 g of the metal occupies
a volume of 2.22cm3?
1) 2.25 g/cm3
2) 22.5 g/cm3
3) 111 g/cm3

Solution
2) Placing the mass and volume of the osmium metal
into the density setup, we obtain
D = mass = 50.00 g =
volume
2.22 cm3
= 22.522522 g/cm3 = 22.5 g/cm3

Volume Displacement
A solid displaces a matching volume of water when
the solid is placed in water.

33 mL
25 mL

Learning Check
What is the density (g/cm3) of 48 g of a metal if the
metal raises the level of water in a graduated cylinder
from 25 mL to 33 mL?
1) 0.2 g/ cm3
2) 6 g/m3
3) 252 g/cm3

33 mL
25 mL

Learning Check
Which diagram represents the liquid layers in the
cylinder?
(K) Karo syrup (1.4 g/mL), (V) vegetable oil (0.91
g/mL,) (W) water (1.0 g/mL)

1)

2)
V
W
K

3)
K

W
K

Learning Check
The density of octane, a component of gasoline, is
0.702 g/mL. What is the mass, in kg, of 875 mL of
octane?
1) 0.614 kg
2) 614 kg
3) 1.25 kg

Learning Check
If blood has a density of 1.05 g/mL, how many
liters of blood are donated if 575 g of blood are
given?
1) 0.548 L
2) 1.25 L
3) 1.83 L

Learning Check

A group of students collected 125 empty aluminum

cans to take to the recycling center. If 21 cans make 1.0
pound of aluminum, how many liters of aluminum
(D=2.70 g/cm3) are obtained from the cans?
1) 1.0 L

2) 2.0 L

3) 4.0 L

Scientific Method
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

State the problem clearly.

Gather information.
Form a _______________.
Test the hypothesis.
Evaluate the data to form a conclusion.
If the conclusion is valid, then it becomes
a theory. If the theory is found to be true
over along period of time (usually 20+
years) with no counter examples, it may
be considered a law.

6. Share the results.