When Conducting an Experiment, Susch as measuring the density of
homogenous solids, why is it important to takr several measurements as
opposed to a single measurement?

Dear gazo,

There are several reasons why it is better to take multiple
measurements, all related to the general notion of error. There are
several sources of error in any experiment. For example, if you are
taking a quantity of an unknown homogeneous solid and measuring its
volume as well as its mass, then there can be error in the volume
measurement, the mass measurement, or both.

As for the specific cause of error in each measurement, there are
several possibilities. One common type of error is human error:
mistaken perception, imperfect motor skills, inadequate training.
Another is instrument error: the instrument may be damaged, the
instrument may be of low quality, and even a high-quality intact
instrument has a certain margin of error.

In a well-designed experiment where there is no bias, the various
sources of error will tend to deviate equally in both directions, both
negative and positive. In the long run, then, errors cancel each other
out. You will be able to reduce error and get much closer to the true
value by taking multiple measurements and computing an aggregrate
value by averaging, summing, and other statistical techniques.

You can read further on the subject of error and the benefits of
multiple measurement at the following sites.

"Experimental error ? a fact of scientific life"
http://www.rod.beavon.clara.net/err_exp.htm

"Measurement Errors"
http://www.rod.beavon.clara.net/err_exp.htm

"Measurement and Uncertainty"
http://www.dwiarda.com/scientific/Error.html

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before you assign a rating.

Regards,

leapinglizard


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