Question

Explain, giving examples, the errors that occur while making measurements.

Answer 1

Various types of errors can occur while taking measurement. These are as follows:

• Instrumental errors: These errors arise when the instrument used for measurement has become faulty. For eg, ruler with rough and broken edge can cause instrumental error.
• Observational errors: These errors arise when the reading in the instrument is noted incorrectly. These can also arise if the instrument is used in incorrect method. For example, if the tip of pencil does not coincide with zero of the scale, then we will get error in measurement of length of pencil.
• Theoretical errors: These are caused by simplification of the model system. For example, a theory states that the temperature of the system surrounding will not change the readings taken when it actually does, then this factor will begin a source of error in measurement.
• Environmental errors: These errors arises due to the instruments working getting affected due to some environmental factors such as temperature, pressure, etc.