What are some examples of accuracy and precision in science?

What are some examples of accuracy and precision in science?

Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true value, while precision refers to how consistent measurements are. For example, if you weigh a substance multiple times and get the same result each time, that's precision. If that result is also close to the actual weight, that's accuracy.

Can you give me a specific example?

Sure! In a lab, if a scientist measures the boiling point of water and consistently gets 100°C, that's precision. If the actual boiling point is 100°C at sea level, then it's also accurate.

What about in other fields, like engineering?

In engineering, precision is crucial when manufacturing parts. For instance, if a machine part is designed to be 10mm in diameter, multiple measurements yielding 10.01mm would show precision, but if the actual part is 9.5mm, it lacks accuracy.

How do scientists ensure accuracy and precision in their measurements?

Scientists use calibrated instruments, repeat measurements, and apply statistical methods to analyze data, ensuring both accuracy and precision.