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Accuracy and precision mean two different things scientifically. Precision is measured in significant figures -- how many digits (not counting leading zeroes) are used to express the measurement? For example a temperature of 98.6 degF is more precise than 99, but less precise than 98.63. For practical purposes nearest tenth of a degree is sufficient precision.

Accuracy is how close the measured value is to the real value. If your voltmeter reads 4.993 volts that's very precise -- but if you know the real voltage is around 6 volts, then the meter is not at all accurate so all those digits are meaningless.

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Why do you use a meter bridge for measurements rather than a voltmeter and ammeter?

A meter bridge is used in some cases for precise resistance measurements. It can be more accurate than using a voltmeter and ammeter because it eliminates errors from contact resistance and internal resistance of the instruments. This method allows for more accurate determination of resistance by comparing two resistance values directly.


Does voltmeter measures the energy converted by a component?

No, a voltmeter measures the difference in electric potential between two points in a circuit, which is called voltage. It does not measure the energy converted by a component, but rather the electrical potential difference across that component.


What are the difference between a multimeter and a voltmeter?

A multimeter measures electrical properties such as AC or DC voltage, current, and resistance. Rather than have separate meters, a multimeter combines a voltmeter, an ammeter, and an ohmmeter. The two main kinds of a multimeter are analog and digital. A voltmeter measures the potential difference (voltage) between two points. the voltmeter only measures volts.


What is the difference between accuracy and precision and which one is more important to scientific measurement?

To be accurate is to be correct, for example, if you say it will rain tomorrow and it does rain tomorrow, then your prediction was accurate. Precision means to give a finely detailed measurement or observation, rather than an approximation. In the case of the weather prediction, a precise prediction might be on the order of, it will rain a total of 1.68 inches of rain, tomorrow. Such a prediction might or might not be accurate, but if it is, then it is also precise, much more precise than merely predicting that it will rain. Precision includes the concept of accuracy. An observation that is precise but inaccurate is useless; precision is only valuable when it is also accurate. Scientists cannot really choose between accuracy and precision since both are necessary for science to succeed, but accuracy is more fundamental. Something that is approximately correct is worth more than something that is very detailed, but wrong.


What path will the current takes in a series circuit with a voltmeter pause does the current goes through voltmeter pause because if it does pause isn't current suppose to be taking the shortest path?

A voltmeter is designed to operate like a very large resistor (order of megaOhms), in parallel to the circuit that it is measuring. As long as the voltmeter resistance is much larger than the circuit that it is measuring, it will draw very little current away from the circuit and will only minimally disturb the operating circuit. See related link. If the voltmeter is connected in series with the rest of the circuit, then that is the same as connecting a very large resistor in series.So for example if you have 10 volt battery and a 10 ohm resistor, that would be 1 amp (without the voltmeter). Now if the voltmeter is 10 megaohm, the total resistance is 10000010 ohms, so the current is 0.999999 microamperes, and the voltage across the 10 ohm resistor is 9.99999 microvolts, while the voltage across the voltmeter is 9.999990 Volts (these numbers are rounded, but you get the idea).Suppose you put in series with a 1 kiloOhm (not sure about that spelling) resistor. The total resistance is 10001000 ohms, and current is 0.99990 microamperes, the voltage across resistor is now 0.9999 millivolts (it was microvolts) and the voltage across the voltmeter is 9.9990001 volts

Related Questions

Why do you use a meter bridge for measurements rather than a voltmeter and ammeter?

A meter bridge is used in some cases for precise resistance measurements. It can be more accurate than using a voltmeter and ammeter because it eliminates errors from contact resistance and internal resistance of the instruments. This method allows for more accurate determination of resistance by comparing two resistance values directly.


Why is a voltmeter used rather than a potentiometer?

A potentiometer is a variable resistor, while a voltmeter is a device that measures voltage.


Why is it better to use a pair of compasses rather then a protractor?

For precision and accuracy


How you can minimize the loading effect on voltmeter?

To minimize the loading effect on a voltmeter, use a voltmeter with a high input impedance. This will ensure that the voltmeter draws as little current as possible from the circuit being measured, reducing the impact on the voltage being measured. Additionally, connecting the voltmeter in parallel with the circuit, rather than in series, can also help minimize the loading effect.


Does voltmeter measures the energy converted by a component?

No, a voltmeter measures the difference in electric potential between two points in a circuit, which is called voltage. It does not measure the energy converted by a component, but rather the electrical potential difference across that component.


Do sig figs show precision or accuracy?

Significant figures (sig figs) primarily indicate precision rather than accuracy. They reflect the level of detail in a measurement, showing how reliably the value has been measured or calculated. Accuracy, on the other hand, pertains to how close a measured value is to the true or accepted value. Therefore, while sig figs can provide insight into precision, they do not directly convey how accurate a measurement is.


What is thorough reading?

thorough reading is reading every word carefully in a book rather than just skim reading a book


What are the difference between a multimeter and a voltmeter?

A multimeter measures electrical properties such as AC or DC voltage, current, and resistance. Rather than have separate meters, a multimeter combines a voltmeter, an ammeter, and an ohmmeter. The two main kinds of a multimeter are analog and digital. A voltmeter measures the potential difference (voltage) between two points. the voltmeter only measures volts.


What is the difference between accuracy and precision and which one is more important to scientific measurement?

To be accurate is to be correct, for example, if you say it will rain tomorrow and it does rain tomorrow, then your prediction was accurate. Precision means to give a finely detailed measurement or observation, rather than an approximation. In the case of the weather prediction, a precise prediction might be on the order of, it will rain a total of 1.68 inches of rain, tomorrow. Such a prediction might or might not be accurate, but if it is, then it is also precise, much more precise than merely predicting that it will rain. Precision includes the concept of accuracy. An observation that is precise but inaccurate is useless; precision is only valuable when it is also accurate. Scientists cannot really choose between accuracy and precision since both are necessary for science to succeed, but accuracy is more fundamental. Something that is approximately correct is worth more than something that is very detailed, but wrong.


Is Voltmeter Scale showing Volts with wavy line DC?

A voltmeter scale showing a wavy line typically indicates an alternating current (AC) voltage rather than direct current (DC). In AC measurements, the wavy line represents the sinusoidal nature of the voltage over time. If the voltmeter is intended to measure DC voltage, it should display a steady value without any fluctuations. Always check the voltmeter's settings to ensure it is used correctly for the type of current being measured.


Can you take voltmeter on plane?

Yes, you can take a voltmeter on a plane, but there are some restrictions. It is advisable to carry it in your checked luggage rather than your carry-on, as it may be subject to extra scrutiny at security checkpoints. Always check the airline's regulations and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines for specific rules regarding electronic devices.


What path will the current takes in a series circuit with a voltmeter pause does the current goes through voltmeter pause because if it does pause isn't current suppose to be taking the shortest path?

A voltmeter is designed to operate like a very large resistor (order of megaOhms), in parallel to the circuit that it is measuring. As long as the voltmeter resistance is much larger than the circuit that it is measuring, it will draw very little current away from the circuit and will only minimally disturb the operating circuit. See related link. If the voltmeter is connected in series with the rest of the circuit, then that is the same as connecting a very large resistor in series.So for example if you have 10 volt battery and a 10 ohm resistor, that would be 1 amp (without the voltmeter). Now if the voltmeter is 10 megaohm, the total resistance is 10000010 ohms, so the current is 0.999999 microamperes, and the voltage across the 10 ohm resistor is 9.99999 microvolts, while the voltage across the voltmeter is 9.999990 Volts (these numbers are rounded, but you get the idea).Suppose you put in series with a 1 kiloOhm (not sure about that spelling) resistor. The total resistance is 10001000 ohms, and current is 0.99990 microamperes, the voltage across resistor is now 0.9999 millivolts (it was microvolts) and the voltage across the voltmeter is 9.9990001 volts