Systematic errors can cause measurements to deviate from the actual value of the quantity being measured. Faulty equipment (such as a meterstick that is not marked correctly), inaccurate calibration of measuring devices (such as a scale to measure mass that has not been properly zeroed), and improper use of equipment by the experimenter (such as misinterpreting the range of a voltmeter) are all examples of systematic errors. Some systematic errors are constant, whereas others are proportional to some quantity that changes in the experiment (whether that quantity is being measured or not). Systematic errors in a variety of laboratory exercises have been described in articles in The Physics Teacher.1–8
REFERENCES
1.
Richard P.
McCall
, “More on systematic error in a Boyle's law experiment
,” Phys. Teach.
50
, 22
–23
(Jan. 2012
).2.
Mark E.
Rupright
, “Measuring systematic error with curve fits
,” Phys. Teach.
49
, 54
–55
(Jan. 2011
).3.
Franklin
Miller
, “Two kinds of electrons
,” Phys. Teach.
45
, 210
–216
(April 2007
).4.
Paul
Beeken
, “Ball on the edge
,” Phys. Teach.
42
,366
–368
(Sept. 2004
).5.
Mark L.
Biermann
and Nicholas A.
Nelson
, “Using the GPS to determine the size of the Earth
,” Phys. Teach.
38
, 360
–361
(Sept. 2000
).6.
Robert
Ehrlich
and Mary Lynn
Hutchison
, “Random and systematic errors in timing the fall of a coin
,” Phys. Teach.
32
, 51
–53
(Jan. 1994
).7.
Santos A.
Ramirez
and Joe S.
Ham
, “Systematic errors in an air track experiment
,” Phys. Teach.
28
, 602
–603
(Dec. 1990
).8.
Roger
Blickensderfer
, “Systematic errors and graphical extrapolation
,” Phys. Teach.
23
, 545
–547
(Dec. 1985
).© 2013 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2013
American Association of Physics Teachers
AAPT members receive access to The Physics Teacher and the American Journal of Physics as a member benefit. To learn more about this member benefit and becoming an AAPT member, visit the Joining AAPT page.