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First teaching 2014

Last exams 2024

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Reducing the Impact of Errors (DP IB Chemistry: SL)

Revision Note

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Reducing Errors

  • Random errors can be reduced by repeated trials and measurements
  • Multiple measurements when averaged will reduce the impact of a random error on the average
    • The more readings you have the lower the possibility that a random error will skew the results

  • If you spot a random error in a data table then you can omit it in the calculation of an average
  • For example, in a titration you can leave out results that are not concordant when finding the average titre:Titration results, downloadable IB Chemistry revision notes

Calculating the average volume delivered in a titration should not include non-concordant volumes. Run 3 (and the Rough run) is omitted from the calculation of the average volume delivered

  • Systematic errors cannot be reduced by repetition
  • Systematic errors can only be reduced by changing the procedure and making sure you are using the instruments correctly
  • If you cannot actively reduce systematic errors you must still try to identify them and comment on them in your evaluation

Impact of Errors

  • A skill that is very important in data processing is the ability to discuss the impact of different types of errors on an experimental conclusion
  • This is an integral part of the Internal Assessment, but it can also be examined in the written exam papers
  • You should always evaluate random errors and systematic errors in an investigation
  • This includes assessing the relative impact of errors, for example:
    • Whether a particular error has a major or minor effect on the final result
    • Which errors produce the largest impact on a final result

Simple Calorimeter_1, downloadable IB Chemistry revision notes

You should be able to state what the impact would be of not using a draught shield in a simple combustion calorimetry experiment

Accuracy & Precision

  • Accuracy is how close you are to an accepted value
  • Precision is a measure of how many decimal places you can express your results to
  • Imagine you are shooting at a target: the following results show the difference between these concepts

Accuracy and Precision, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Accuracy and precision in target shooting

  • In practical chemistry terms, if you have a literature value for a final calculation, then it is very easy to compare how close you got to the literature value, in other words how accurate you were
    • For example in enthalpy of combustion experiments, did you get close to the Data Book value?

  • Sometimes you can control precision by changing instrument
    • For example if you change from a two decimal place to three decimal place balance, you are making your measurements more precise

Worked example

Which of the following procedures could be used to reduce the random uncertainty while performing a titration?

   A. Changing the burette

   B. Reading the burette at eye level to the meniscus

   C. Repeating the titration

   D. Changing the indicator for the titration

Answer

The correct option is C.

Random errors can be reduced by repetition. All the other procedures would only affect systematic errors.

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Stewart

Author: Stewart

Expertise: Chemistry Lead

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Exam Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.