Uncertainty - A Level Physics Definition
Reviewed by: Leander Oates
Published
What is uncertainty?
In A Level Physics, uncertainty in a measurement refers to the range within which the true value of a measured quantity is expected to lie, accounting for any potential errors or variations in the measuring process. Uncertainty recognises that no measurement is perfectly exact, due to instrumental limitations, observational inconsistencies, or environmental factors.
Uncertainty is typically represented by a ± value accompanying a measurement, indicating the possible variation from the true value.
In A Level Physics, understanding uncertainty is crucial to evaluating the reliability and accuracy of experimental data, and to expressing results with a quantifiable degree of confidence.
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