Random Errors
Key point
- A random error is an error that is introduced by random occurrence.
- It affects the precision of the data.
- Commonly referred to as human error, but in labs, you must be more specific.
- What is random error in physics? A random error is the other type of error present in labs, which is caused by random occurrences in the measuring environment.
Random error is revealed when repeated measurements of the same quantity show a spread of values, some too large some too small. The independent data values differ in both magnitude and direction from the mean.
- The graphed data would have large error bars with significant presence of random errors.
In the bullseye example to the right, the data points are scattered from the mean, which would be somewhere in the middle.
Random errors are commonly associated with environmental changes and measuring procedures. Examples:
- Measuring the height of something while viewing it from a slightly different angle each time.
- Exerting force on an object that is simply supposed to be dropped.
- These issues are often labeled as ‘human error’, but in a physics lab, you must be more specific.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can random error be reduced, minimized, or eliminated.
- Like systematic error, random error cannot be eliminated, because no testing conditions or procedures are perfect.
- Reduce/minimize random error by taking repeated measurements, to plot as many data points as possible and obtain the best possible line of best fit once the data is graphed. Also, maintain good and consistent experimental technique.
- Consider using apparatus when possible, as they provide more consistency than a human conducting the experiment.
Subscribe to the Inertia Newsletter
IB News, Covid-19 Updates, Deadlines, Tips and Tricks, and Hundreds of Free Resources are Awaiting You!
Features
- Study Notes
- Thousands of IB Questions
- Detailed Answers
- Ask-A-Question System
