A recent article1 in The Physics Teacher describes a method for analyzing a systematic error in a Boyle's law laboratory activity. Systematic errors are important to consider in physics labs because they tend to bias the results of measurements. There are numerous laboratory examples and resources that discuss this common source of error.2–7
REFERENCES
1.
Mark E.
Rupright
, “Measuring systematic error with curve fits
,” Phys. Teach.
49
, 54
–55
(Jan. 2011
).2.
Saalih
Allie
, Andy
Buffler
, Bob
Campbell
, Fred
Lubben
, Dimitris
Evangelinos
, Dimitris
Psillos
, and Odysseas
Valassiades
, “Teaching measurement in the introductory physics laboratory
,” Phys. Teach.
41
, 394
–401
(Oct. 2003
).3.
Franklin
Miller
, “Two kinds of electron?
” Phys. Teach.
45
, 210
–216
(April 2007
).4.
Robert
Ehrlich
and Mary Lynn
Hutchison
, “Random and systematic errors in timing the fall of a coin
,” Phys. Teach.
32
, 51
–53
(Jan. 1994
).5.
Jim
Ryder
and Ashley
Clarke
, “Teaching and learning about ‘sources of error’ on university physics courses
,” University of Leeds
, UK
, found at www.heacademy.ac.uk/assets/ps/documents/projects/completed/undergraduate_understanding_of_the_practices_of_physics.pdf.6.
An interesting laboratory exercise from the physics department at
Columbia University
is located at www.columbia.edu/cu/physics/pdf-files/Lab_l-01.pdf7.
John
Bechhoefer
, “Curve fits in the presence of random and systematic error
,” Am. J. Phys.
68
, 424
–429
(May 2000
).© 2012 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2012
American Association of Physics Teachers
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