Sharper Measurements: Quiz on Accuracy, Precision, and Resolution Quiz

1. Understanding Accuracy

   Which statement best describes accuracy in measurement?

   1. A. How close a measured value is to the true value
   2. B. The smallest change that can be detected by an instrument
   3. C. The consistency of repeated measurements
   4. D. How fast an instrument responds
   5. E. The number of decimal places shown by an instrument

2. Precision in Repeated Trials

   If you weigh the same object multiple times and always get very similar values, which measurement quality is demonstrated?

   1. A. Resolution
   2. B. Precision
   3. C. Accuracy
   4. D. Reliability
   5. E. Calibration

3. Recognizing Resolution

   What does the 'resolution' of a digital scale refer to?

   1. A. The scale’s ability to avoid errors
   2. B. The average value of measurements
   3. C. The smallest division the scale can show
   4. D. The durability of the scale
   5. E. The rate at which the scale resets

4. Scenario: High Accuracy, Low Precision

   A student measures the length of a desk and records values close to the real length, but the results vary widely each time. What best describes this situation?

   1. A. High Accuracy, High Precision
   2. B. Low Accuracy, Low Precision
   3. C. High Accuracy, Low Precision
   4. D. Low Accuracy, High Precision
   5. E. No Accuracy, No Precision

5. Scenario: High Precision, Low Accuracy

   If a thermometer gives the same reading every time but the temperature shown is always 2°C higher than the actual value, what does this indicate?

   1. A. High accuracy and high precision
   2. B. High accuracy and low precision
   3. C. Low accuracy and high precision
   4. D. Low accuracy and low precision
   5. E. High reliable and low precise

6. Instrument Choice and Resolution

   You need to measure drops of water precisely. Which property of a measuring cylinder is most important for detecting small differences in volume?

   1. A. Its color
   2. B. Its accuracy
   3. C. Its length
   4. D. Its resolution
   5. E. Its age

7. Effect of Resolution on Measurement

   An instrument with a resolution of 0.01 grams can detect a difference of:

   1. A. Only if it's 1 gram or more
   2. B. As small as 0.01 grams
   3. C. 0.1 grams or larger
   4. D. About 10 grams
   5. E. Only whole numbers

8. Systematic Error Recognition

   After repeated measurements, you notice all results are off by the same amount from the true value. Which type of error does this suggest?

   1. A. Random error
   2. B. Instrument error
   3. C. Systematic error
   4. D. Personal error
   5. E. Resolution error

9. Precision vs. Accuracy

   Which statement correctly distinguishes between accuracy and precision?

   1. A. Accuracy is consistency; precision is correctness
   2. B. Precision measures closeness to truth; accuracy measures repeatability
   3. C. Accuracy is closeness to true value; precision is closeness of repeated values
   4. D. Both terms mean the same thing
   5. E. Neither accuracy nor precision can be measured

10. Real-World Example: Digital Clock

    A digital clock displays time to the nearest minute, but the actual time could differ by up to 59 seconds. Which property of measurement is limited in this case?

    1. A. Accuracy
    2. B. Precision
    3. C. Range
    4. D. Calibration
    5. E. Resolution