ERROR IN
MEASUREMENTS
ASSIGNMENT I
QAIM HASSAN | 20PWMEC4995
QUAILTY ENGINEERING| SUBMITTED TO : PROF. ABDUL SHAKOOR
Write a short note (2-pages) on Errors in Measurements and Types of Errors.
Note: Use references where necessary.
Error In Measurements:
In science, measurements are a crucial component of understanding the physical world.
However, no measurement is perfect, and there will always be some error involved.
Understanding the types of errors that can occur during measurements is essential to ensure
accurate and reliable data. This short note will discuss the types of errors that can occur during
measurements.
Types of Errors
There are three primary types of errors in measurements: systematic errors, random errors, and
environmental errors.
Systematic Errors:
Systematic errors are errors that occur consistently throughout the measurement process. These
errors can be caused by equipment, the observer, or the environment. Systematic errors are often
caused by calibration errors or errors in the measurement equipment's design. For example, if a
weighing scale consistently overestimates or underestimates weight, this is a systematic error.
Systematic errors can be reduced by using accurate calibration methods and choosing equipment
that is designed to minimize these errors.
Random Errors:
Random errors, also known as indeterminate errors, are errors that occur randomly during the
measurement process. These errors are typically caused by unpredictable factors such as
fluctuations in temperature or humidity. Random errors can be reduced by taking multiple
measurements and calculating the average value. The more measurements that are taken, the
more accurate the results will be.
Environmental Errors:
Environmental errors are errors caused by the environment in which the measurement is taken.
For example, if a thermometer is used to measure the temperature of a liquid in a container that
is not insulated, the temperature of the liquid will be affected by the surrounding temperature.
Environmental errors can be reduced by controlling the environment as much as possible and
choosing measurement techniques that are less susceptible to environmental factors.
Sources of Errors
There are several sources of errors in measurements. These sources can be categorized as
personal, equipment, and methodological errors.
Personal Errors:
Personal errors are errors caused by the observer or person conducting the measurements. These
errors can be caused by bias, lack of attention, or lack of skill. Personal errors can be reduced by
training the observer and using standardized measurement techniques.
Equipment Errors:
Equipment errors are errors caused by the equipment used to conduct measurements. These
errors can be caused by equipment that is not calibrated correctly or is designed poorly.
Equipment errors can be reduced by ensuring that the equipment is calibrated regularly and is
designed to minimize errors.
Methodological Errors:
Methodological errors are errors caused by the measurement method used. These errors can be
caused by using an inappropriate method, using incorrect units, or not taking into account all the
relevant factors. Methodological errors can be reduced by using standardized measurement
techniques and ensuring that all the relevant factors are taken into account.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, understanding the types of errors that can occur during measurements is essential
to ensure accurate and reliable data. There are three primary types of errors: systematic errors,
random errors, and environmental errors. There are also several sources of errors, including
personal, equipment, and methodological errors. By understanding these types of errors and
sources, researchers can take steps to reduce errors and improve the accuracy of their
measurements.
References:
NIST. (2020). Types of Measurement Errors. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
[Link]
Taylor, J. R. (1997). An Introduction to Error Analysis: The Study of Uncertainties in Physical
Measurements (2nd ed.). University Science Books.
