Question

Explain different types of errors in measurements with remedies.

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

Types of Errors in Measurement:

• Systematic Errors

• Gross Errors

• Random Errors

Gross Errors

The gross error occurs because of the human mistakes. For examples consider the person using the instruments takes the wrong reading, or they can record the incorrect data. Such type of error comes under the gross error.

Remedy:

• The gross error can only be avoided by taking the reading carefully.

• Two or more readings should be taken of the measurement quantity. The readings are taken by the different experimenter and at a different point for removing the error.

Systematic Errors

The systematic errors are mainly classified into three categories.

• Instrumental Errors

• Environmental Errors

• Observational Errors

(i) Instrumental Errors

These errors mainly arise due to the three main reasons.

(a) Inherent Shortcomings of Instruments

(b) Misuse of Instrument

(c) Loading Effect

(ii) Environmental Errors

These errors are due to the external condition of the measuring devices. Such types of errors mainly occur due to the effect of temperature, pressure, humidity, dust, vibration or because of the magnetic or electrostatic field.

Remedy:

• The arrangement should be made to keep the conditions as constant as possible.

• Using the equipment which is free from these effects.

• By using the techniques which eliminate the effect of these disturbances.

• By applying the computed corrections.

(iii) Observational Errors

Such types of errors are due to the wrong observation of the reading. There are many sources of observational error.

Such types of errors are due to the wrong observation of the reading. There are many sources of observational error.

Remedy:

Thus an error occurs (because of parallax) unless the line of vision of the observer is exactly above the pointer. To minimise the parallax error highly accurate meters are provided with mirrored scales.

Random Errors

The error which is caused by the sudden change in the atmospheric condition, such type of error is called random error. These types of error remain even after the removal of the systematic error. Hence such type of error is also called residual error.