Chapter 2, Problem 5STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The percentage error for student 1’s averaged value needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Accuracy defined as an accurate measurement that is close to the accepted value whereas, Precision defined as a set of precise measurements that shows a little variation.

The percent error of an experimental value equals to the absolute value of its error divided by the accepted value, multiplied by $100$.

Answer to Problem 5STP

Correct answer: The correct option is (b).

Explanation of Solution

Reason for correct option: Percentage error can be calculated from the formula,

$\text{Percentage Error =}\frac{\left|\text{Error}\right|}{\text{Actual}\text{value}}\text{×100\%}$

Given values have Error $\text{=}\text{2}\text{.71 - 2}\text{.66}\text{= 0}\text{.05}$ and actual value $\text{=}\text{2}\text{.71}$

Apply the formula of percentage error,

$\text{Percentage Error =}\frac{\text{0}\text{.05}}{\text{2}\text{.71}}\text{×100\%}$

$\text{= 0}\text{.0184 × 100\%}$

$\text{= 1}\text{.84}\text{\%}$

Conclusion

Thus, the percent error is 1.84%.