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Quizzes > Science

Accuracy and Precision Practice Problems Quiz

Quick, free accuracy vs precision quiz with instant results and explanations.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Paola Granado PlaUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
paper art illustration with rulers targets graphs data symbols on coral background representing accuracy precision quiz.

This quiz helps you practice accuracy and precision, compare measurements, and find percent error and variance. You'll get instant results with short explanations as you work through realistic practice problems. For related skills, try micrometer reading practice, build focus with an attention to detail quiz, or brush up shapes and units with a geometry review quiz.

In measurement science, which statement best distinguishes accuracy from precision?
Accuracy and precision are identical concepts in metrology.
Accuracy is closeness to the true value; precision is consistency among repeated measurements.
Accuracy depends only on sample size, while precision depends only on instrument type.
Accuracy is consistency among repeated measurements; precision is closeness to the true value.
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A scale gives masses: 100.2, 100.1, 100.2, 100.1 g for a 102.0 g standard. What is the primary issue?
Both accuracy and precision are high.
High accuracy but low precision due to random error.
High precision but low accuracy due to systematic bias low.
Both accuracy and precision are low due to large spread.
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A ruler with millimeter markings versus one with centimeter markings: which offers higher precision for length measurements?
Both have equal precision
Precision depends only on the user's experience, not the ruler
The centimeter-marked ruler
The millimeter-marked ruler
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Convert 125.0 mm to centimeters with appropriate significant figures.
12500 cm
12.50 cm
12.5 cm
1.250 cm
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You measure a 50.0 m track as 49.6 m. What is the percent error (absolute value)?
0.80%
8.0%
0.40%
1.60%
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True or False: Precision can be improved by averaging more repeated independent measurements.
False
True
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True or False: A measurement with low random error but high bias is precise but inaccurate.
False
True
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Calculate the mean absolute error (MAE) for measurements 9.8, 10.1, 10.0 against true value 10.0.
0.3
0.0
0.2
0.1
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Which action primarily improves accuracy of a biased instrument?
Averaging existing biased measurements
Increasing the sample size only
Calibrating the instrument against a traceable standard
Using more significant figures when reporting
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True or False: A high R^2 value in a calibration curve guarantees accurate concentration estimates for unknowns.
False
True
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When adding two measured lengths, how should absolute uncertainties be combined to obtain a conservative worst-case total uncertainty?
Multiply absolute uncertainties
Ignore uncertainties if units match
Add relative uncertainties
Add absolute uncertainties
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True or False: Relative uncertainty is the absolute uncertainty divided by the measured value.
False
True
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Which scenario indicates random error rather than systematic error?
Measurements scatter around the true value with no consistent bias
All measurements are consistently 0.3 units low
Instrument zero is offset by +2 units
A thermometer always reads 1 C high
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A dataset contains a single extreme outlier. Which statistic is most robust to represent central tendency?
Mode
Mean
Median
Range
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When multiplying measured quantities, how are relative uncertainties combined (first-order approximation)?
Add relative uncertainties
Subtract relative uncertainties
Multiply absolute uncertainties
Add absolute uncertainties
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A process shows points outside control limits on an X-bar chart. What does this most likely indicate?
The process is out of statistical control due to special causes
No issue; this is expected by design
The process is stable and only common causes exist
Data are more accurate than precise
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Which approach best detects constant bias between two measurement methods?
Bland-Altman (difference) plot
Boxplot of combined data
Histogram of one method
Correlation scatterplot only
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Which statement about trueness and precision (per ISO) is correct?
Both trueness and precision are random error measures.
Trueness and precision are both about bias.
Trueness relates to systematic error; precision relates to random error.
Trueness relates to random error; precision relates to systematic error.
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Which test primarily assesses whether a consistent bias exists between paired measurements from two methods?
One-way ANOVA across many groups
Mann-Whitney U on pooled values
Paired t-test on differences
Chi-square goodness-of-fit
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True or False: Coverage factor k ≈ 2 corresponds to about 95% confidence for normally distributed uncertainties.
False
True
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Study Outcomes

  1. Differentiate Accuracy vs Precision -

    Distinguish between accuracy and precision in measurement scenarios and characterize data points accordingly.

  2. Convert Measurement Units -

    Apply unit conversion techniques to solve measurement units quiz questions accurately.

  3. Calculate Density with Precision -

    Perform density calculations and assess the level of precision required for reliable results.

  4. Evaluate Data Sets -

    Analyze real-world data to identify sources of error and measure accuracy and precision in experimental results.

  5. Apply Instant Feedback -

    Leverage immediate quiz feedback to pinpoint and correct misconceptions in accuracy and precision practice problems.

  6. Solve Complex Measurement Problems -

    Tackle challenging scenarios for accuracy precision and measurement homework answers to boost scientific problem-solving skills.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Accuracy vs Precision Fundamentals -

    In accuracy and precision practice problems, accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true value, while precision indicates how repeatable measurements are. Think of a dartboard: accurate throws land near the bull's-eye, precise throws cluster tightly - even if off-center. Mnemonic: "Accurate hits the target; Precise lands together" (NIST guidelines).

  2. Percent Error Formula -

    Use percent error = |measured − true|/true × 100% to quantify accuracy in your measurement units quiz. Always convert units consistently before calculating to avoid scale mismatches (e.g., cm vs m). Regularly practicing this formula helps you nail accuracy precision and measurement homework answers.

  3. Significant Figures and Rounding -

    Significant figures rules ensure you don't imply unwarranted precision; for example, 0.0300 has three sig figs, while 3.00 × 10−2 highlights measurement accuracy. When adding or multiplying, follow decimal-place or sig-fig rules respectively (see ISO measurement standards). Mastering sig figs is key for any accuracy vs precision quiz.

  4. Density Precision Questions -

    Density = mass/volume, so any uncertainty in mass or volume propagates into your density result - use relative uncertainty addition (Δϝ/ϝ ≈ Δm/m + ΔV/V). Calibrate balances and volumetric flasks carefully for high”precision density precision questions. Cross-check against reference materials like CRC or NIST for standard densities.

  5. Identifying Systematic vs Random Errors -

    Systematic errors (e.g., miscalibrated scale) shift all data consistently, while random errors create scatter around the mean; plot repeated measurements on a scatter chart to visualize precision. For real-world data analysis scenarios, apply calibration checks and statistical tools (standard deviation, confidence intervals) to minimize both error types. This approach boosts confidence in your accuracy and precision practice problems.

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