Final answer:
Comparing the experimental value with the accepted value determines the accuracy of an experiment, often calculated using percent error. The accepted value is the scientific consensus, while the experimental value is directly measured in the experiment. The accuracy of measurements affects the percent error, increasing as measurement accuracy decreases.
Step-by-step explanation:
To compare an experimental value to a generally accepted value, one must first understand what each term signifies. The accepted value is the value that is widely recognized as the most accurate by the scientific community and is often found in reference texts or official documents.
An experimental value, on the other hand, is the value that is measured directly from an experiment. Comparing these two helps determine the accuracy of an experiment.
To assess the degree of accuracy, a commonly used method is calculating the percent error, which quantifies the discrepancy between the experimental value and the accepted value in terms of a percentage. This is an important step in scientific studies as it helps evaluate the reliability of experimental results.
If the percent error is zero, this indicates that the experimental value perfectly matches the accepted value. However, typically some level of error exists, and as the accuracy of the measurement decreases, the percent error increases.
When comparing data, it's crucial to note that there will always be some uncertainty, particularly when numbers are extracted from graphs. If the experimental results differ from expected values, they should be examined to discern whether they lie within the estimated data extraction uncertainties. Understanding and acknowledging these uncertainties is key to interpreting experimental findings accurately.