Question Detail

PHY 101 Physical Quantities, Units, and Dimensions Objective Question

Question

Which type of error causes unpredictable fluctuations in an instrument's readings and affects the precision of measurements?
Options
A Systematic error
B Zero error
C Random error
Correct Answer
D Parallax error
Correct Answer

Option C is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

Random errors are due to unpredictable factors like environmental conditions or observer interpretation. They cause a spread of results around the mean value, thus affecting the precision. Taking multiple measurements and averaging reduces random error.

Hint

This type of error leads to inconsistent results when a measurement is repeated.

Question Info