In an experiment measuring the current flowing through a resistor, you obtain a set of measurements. Which of the following indicates the LEAST amount of uncertainty?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking which of the options indicates the least amount of uncertainty in a set of current measurements through a resistor. Uncertainty refers to the range or spread of the measurements. A smaller range indicates less uncertainty, and conversely, a larger range indicates more uncertainty. We therefore need to evaluate each option and determine which shows the least variation.
Answer
Smallest range or standard deviation indicates the least uncertainty.
The LEAST amount of uncertainty would be indicated by the set of measurements with the smallest range or standard deviation.
Answer for screen readers
The LEAST amount of uncertainty would be indicated by the set of measurements with the smallest range or standard deviation.
More Information
In metrology, uncertainty is the doubt that exists about the result of any measurement. It is an indication of the quality of the result.
Tips
Do not confuse precision with accuracy, precision is how close multiple measurements are to each other, accuracy is how close the measurements are to the true value. Also do not assume more data means less uncertainty, the quality of data is more important than the quantity.
Sources
- Measurements and Error Analysis - WebAssign - webassign.net
- [PDF] Measurement and Uncertainty Analysis Guide - UNC Physics - users.physics.unc.edu
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