Objectives

After completing this activity, you should be able to:

1. describe reasons why it is important to consider errors when using measuring equipment
2. describe what percentage error means and give an equation linking percentage error, actual measurement and error together
3. do calculations involving percentage errors
4. describe what least weighable amount means, why it is useful and how least weighable amount relates to percentage error
5. do calculations involving least weighable amount.

Prerequisites

You need to know the basic units of mass and volume.

You will probably need a calculator.