Skip to main content
Back

Uncertainty definitions

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/13
  • Absolute Uncertainty
    The plus or minus value indicating the range within which the true value of a measurement likely falls.
  • Relative Uncertainty
    A ratio of the absolute uncertainty to the measured value, expressing uncertainty in proportion to the measurement.
  • Percent Relative Uncertainty
    A value obtained by multiplying relative uncertainty by 100, expressing uncertainty as a percentage.
  • Experimental Error
    The inherent variability present in any measurement or calculation, reflecting limitations in precision.
  • Significant Digit
    A numeral in a measurement that contributes to its precision, especially in relation to uncertainty.
  • Real Rule
    A guideline stating that the first significant digit of the uncertainty determines the decimal place of the final result.
  • Propagation of Uncertainty
    The process of determining the combined uncertainty in a result derived from multiple measurements.
  • Addition and Subtraction Rule
    A method where uncertainties are squared, summed, and square-rooted to find the total uncertainty in combined measurements.
  • Decimal Place
    The position of a digit to the right of the decimal point, crucial for expressing measurement precision.
  • Random Error
    Unpredictable fluctuations in measurements that affect the precision but not the accuracy of results.
  • Measurement
    A quantitative value obtained through observation, always accompanied by an associated uncertainty.
  • Square Root Method
    A calculation technique for combining uncertainties by taking the square root of the sum of squared individual uncertainties.
  • Multiplication and Division Rule
    A set of procedures for propagating uncertainty when measurements are multiplied or divided.