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Which of the following measuring errors is a result of the angle at which operators position themselves in relation to the instrument?

a. Parallax error
b. Calibration error
c. Systematic error
d. Random error

User Seth Eden
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Final answer:

A parallax error is caused by the incorrect angle of observation, leading to a potential misreading of the measurement, differing from systematic and random errors which affect precision and the accuracy of measurements in distinct ways.

Step-by-step explanation:

The measuring error that results from the angle at which operators position themselves in relation to the instrument is known as a parallax error. Parallax error occurs when an observer's line of sight to the measurement scale is not perpendicular, leading to a misreading of the actual value. Unlike systematic errors, which are constant errors due to equipment like a mis-calibrated meter rod or balance, parallax error depends on the observer's position. Similarly, it differs from random errors, which vary from one observation to another but can be minimized by averaging multiple measurements. Precision and accuracy in scientific measurement are impacted by systematic and random errors, with precision referring to how close repeated measurements are to each other, and accuracy concerning how close the average of these measurements is to the actual value.

User Bhovhannes
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