Science & STEM

Accuracy and Precision Practice Problems Quiz

Moderate2-5mins

This quiz helps you practice accuracy and precision, compare measurements, and find percent error and variance. You'll get instant results with short explanations as you work through realistic practice problems. For related skills, try micrometer reading practice, build focus with an attention to detail quiz, or brush up shapes and units with a geometry review quiz.

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1In measurement science, which statement best distinguishes accuracy from precision?
2A scale gives masses: 100.2, 100.1, 100.2, 100.1 g for a 102.0 g standard. What is the primary issue?
3A ruler with millimeter markings versus one with centimeter markings: which offers higher precision for length measurements?
4Convert 125.0 mm to centimeters with appropriate significant figures.
5You measure a 50.0 m track as 49.6 m. What is the percent error (absolute value)?
6True or False: Precision can be improved by averaging more repeated independent measurements.
7True or False: A measurement with low random error but high bias is precise but inaccurate.
8Calculate the mean absolute error (MAE) for measurements 9.8, 10.1, 10.0 against true value 10.0.
9Which action primarily improves accuracy of a biased instrument?
10True or False: A high R^2 value in a calibration curve guarantees accurate concentration estimates for unknowns.
11When adding two measured lengths, how should absolute uncertainties be combined to obtain a conservative worst-case total uncertainty?
12True or False: Relative uncertainty is the absolute uncertainty divided by the measured value.
13Which scenario indicates random error rather than systematic error?
14A dataset contains a single extreme outlier. Which statistic is most robust to represent central tendency?
15When multiplying measured quantities, how are relative uncertainties combined (first-order approximation)?
16A process shows points outside control limits on an X-bar chart. What does this most likely indicate?
17Which approach best detects constant bias between two measurement methods?
18Which statement about trueness and precision (per ISO) is correct?
19Which test primarily assesses whether a consistent bias exists between paired measurements from two methods?
20True or False: Coverage factor k ≈ 2 corresponds to about 95% confidence for normally distributed uncertainties.
Learning Goals

Study Outcomes

  1. Differentiate Accuracy vs Precision -

    Distinguish between accuracy and precision in measurement scenarios and characterize data points accordingly.

  2. Convert Measurement Units -

    Apply unit conversion techniques to solve measurement units quiz questions accurately.

  3. Calculate Density with Precision -

    Perform density calculations and assess the level of precision required for reliable results.

  4. Evaluate Data Sets -

    Analyze real-world data to identify sources of error and measure accuracy and precision in experimental results.

  5. Apply Instant Feedback -

    Leverage immediate quiz feedback to pinpoint and correct misconceptions in accuracy and precision practice problems.

  6. Solve Complex Measurement Problems -

    Tackle challenging scenarios for accuracy precision and measurement homework answers to boost scientific problem-solving skills.

Study Guide

Cheat Sheet

  1. Accuracy vs Precision Fundamentals -

    In accuracy and precision practice problems, accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true value, while precision indicates how repeatable measurements are. Think of a dartboard: accurate throws land near the bull's-eye, precise throws cluster tightly - even if off-center. Mnemonic: "Accurate hits the target; Precise lands together" (NIST guidelines).

  2. Percent Error Formula -

    Use percent error = |measured − true|/true × 100% to quantify accuracy in your measurement units quiz. Always convert units consistently before calculating to avoid scale mismatches (e.g., cm vs m). Regularly practicing this formula helps you nail accuracy precision and measurement homework answers.

  3. Significant Figures and Rounding -

    Significant figures rules ensure you don't imply unwarranted precision; for example, 0.0300 has three sig figs, while 3.00 × 10−2 highlights measurement accuracy. When adding or multiplying, follow decimal-place or sig-fig rules respectively (see ISO measurement standards). Mastering sig figs is key for any accuracy vs precision quiz.

  4. Density Precision Questions -

    Density = mass/volume, so any uncertainty in mass or volume propagates into your density result - use relative uncertainty addition (Δϝ/ϝ ≈ Δm/m + ΔV/V). Calibrate balances and volumetric flasks carefully for high”precision density precision questions. Cross-check against reference materials like CRC or NIST for standard densities.

  5. Identifying Systematic vs Random Errors -

    Systematic errors (e.g., miscalibrated scale) shift all data consistently, while random errors create scatter around the mean; plot repeated measurements on a scatter chart to visualize precision. For real-world data analysis scenarios, apply calibration checks and statistical tools (standard deviation, confidence intervals) to minimize both error types. This approach boosts confidence in your accuracy and precision practice problems.

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Updated Feb 22, 2026