Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Experimental uncertainty refers to the inherent limitations and errors associated with measurements and observations made during scientific experiments. It accounts for variations, inaccuracies, and unknown factors affecting data reliability.
Related terms
Precision: Refers to how closely individual measurements agree with each other.
Accuracy: Refers to how closely a measured value aligns with the true or accepted value.
Systematic Error: A consistent error that affects measurements in the same way, often caused by faulty equipment or flawed experimental design.