The following measurements were made by a group of students using the same balance and a 25.00 gram weight.

The data would be considered:
I.accurate and precise
II.accurate but not precise
III.precise but not accurate
IV.neither precise nor accurate
V.evidence of a systematic error
VI.evidence of large random errors
A)I only
B)II and VI
C)III and V
D)IV and VI
E)IV,V,VI

Question

The following measurements were made by a group of students using the same balance and a 25.00 gram weight.

The data would be considered:
I.accurate and precise
II.accurate but not precise
III.precise but not accurate
IV.neither precise nor accurate
V.evidence of a systematic error
VI.evidence of large random errors
A)I only 
B)II and VI 
C)III and V 
D)IV and VI 
E)IV,V,VI

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The data is precise because all measurements were made using the same equipment and 25.00 g weight. However, the measurements are not accurate because they differ from the actual weight of 25.00 g. The presence of a systematic error is indicated by the fact that all measurements are consistently lighter or heavier than the actual weight, resulting in a "V" shaped data distribution. Therefore, the data is precise but not accurate, and there is evidence of a systematic error (III and V). The question does not provide enough information to determine if there are large random errors (VI).

The Following Measurements Were Made by a Group of Students