Question

Which of the following is an example of systematic error?

A scientist spills a foreign chemical into a reaction vessel, changing the reaction.

A scientist misreads a ruler when measuring the length of an insect.

A scientist measures the mass of a rock on an older scale that is imprecise.

A rainstorm washes away soil in a plot of land where a scientist is testing the effect of a new fertilizer on grass.

Answer 1

Okay, so a systematic error occurs not by chance (bad luck), but rather, by inaccuracy (say, something was measured incorrectly).

With that said, which options can we eliminate?

Answer 2

C?

Answer 3

Yes, we can eliminate C.

Answer 4

What else can we eliminate?

Answer 5

D?

Answer 6

Right, because a rainstorm happens by chance (or bad luck).

So, that leaves us with A and B.
Which of those is due to an error in measurement or observation?

Answer 7

A is what i think is right.

Answer 8

Well, look at the wording carefully...
"A scientist spills..."

This is an accident, which happens by chance.

Answer 9

Oh i got it then its B.

Answer 10

That's correct.

Answer 11

Awesome thanks :) u really are good at this.

Answer 12

You're welcome, and thanks! (: