Question

Briefly explain different types of errors and their causes. How can these errors be minimised?

Answer 1

Hint: Error is the difference between the actual and observed value. It will generate the wrong conclusions. These errors mainly arise due to the non-calibrated equipment, the observer's careless behaviour and physical conditions. Since we know the origin of the errors, we can reduce the errors by rectifying those problems.

Complete step by step answer:
An error can be defined as the difference between the measured value and the actual value. To understand errors in measurement completely, we need a true value and a measured value. It is difficult to find true value from the experiments. Sometimes it may be defined as the average of the certain number of measured values. But now sophisticated tools and the Internet of Things are used to demonstrate the measurement through simulations, so we will get the true values with the specific conditions.

These are the main errors that happen during the measurements;
1. Gross errors: It is happening mainly due to human mistakes. It may be due to the person’s careless behaviour and it will make deviations in results.
For example, if a person reads a pressure gauge indicating \[5.02N{{m}^{-2}}\] as \[5.20N{{m}^{-2}}\]. This wrong measurement will lead to the wrong answers.
This can be avoided only if the person takes care during the time of recording the data. Calculations of these values should be done accurately. Repetition will reduce gross errors.
2. Instrumental error: These errors arise due to the non-calibration or wrong construction of the measuring equipment. Sometimes, long usage of the same equipment also reduces the efficiency and increases the errors. For example, after long time usage, some of the divisions in the screw gauge scale may not be visible and also the rotating screw will not rotate as the new one. We can simply call it as a mechanical error
It can rectify with proper checking during certain intervals of time.
3. Environmental errors: These are arising due to the external conditions on the measurement. If a measuring system is too sensitive to the external conditions, it should be protected and contained with suitable material.
For example, temperature, and time can change the measurements of instruments. Sometimes, they will change the calibration of the equipment also.
Random error: These can happen due to the random and unpredictable fluctuation on the experimental system. Person experimenting has no control over this error. It can be avoided if we can repeat the process several times.

Note: Most of the errors can be avoided by doing it several times. This averaging process reduces the error effectively.