Final answer:
Measurement systems are essential in science, with accuracy and precision being key characteristics. Accuracy is how close a measurement is to the true value, while precision assesses repeatability. Both are crucial for obtaining valid scientific data.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics of Measurement Systems
Measurement systems are a fundamental aspect of scientific research as they allow for the quantification of different properties. Critical characteristics that determine the effectiveness of these systems include accuracy, precision, resolution, range, linearity, sensitivity, and types of errors. Here we focus on the first two: accuracy and precision.
Accuracy
Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true or accepted reference value. For instance, measuring a standard printer paper that is known to be 11.0 inches long and obtaining measurements of 11.1 in., 11.2 in., and 10.9 in. demonstrates high accuracy as these values are very close to the accepted value.
Precision
Precision is about the consistency of repeated measurements. When the same dimension is measured several times under identical conditions and the measurements are very similar, such as obtaining 11.1 in. each time, the measurement is said to be precise. Precision indicates the repeatability or reproducibility of the measurement process.
The performance of measurement methods varies and is influenced by the specific requirements they aim to meet. Accurate and precise measurements are vital for the validity of scientific findings, ensuring high-quality results that can be confidently used for further analysis.