Question

What are some factors (at least 4 factors) that could cause the calculated percent error to increase? (Be specific)

Answer 1

The percent error is used to compare the final measured value to a well-accepted or well-known value. The percent error is defined as:

% error = (||accepted value| - |expermiental value||)*100/|accepted value

% error is increased when the difference between the accepted value and the experimental value increases.
The factors which affect the percentage error to increase are.
1. Environmental factors - one should be careful while working as the working environment may introduce the errors.
One should take into account the errors caused from vibrations, drafts, changes in temperature, electronic noise or other effects from nearby apparatus.

2. Failure to calibrate instrument : the calibration of an instrument should be checked before taking data. If the standard calibration is not available, the accuracy of the instrument should be checked by comparing with another instrument that is at least as precise, or by consulting the technical data provided by the manufacturer.

3. Personal error : Personal error is a result of carelessness, ignorance, poor technique used by the experimenter.

4. Lag time : Some measuring devices require time to reach equilibrium, and taking a measurement before the instrument is stable will result in increase percentage error.