Question

A set of 250-g masses is placed one at a time on a digital balance during quality control testing. The mass reading are 197 g, 198 g, 196 g. Describe the accuracy and precision of the scale. (1 point) Responses Both accurate and precise Both accurate and precise Neither accurate or precise Neither accurate or precise Accurate but not precise Accurate but not precise Precise but not accurate

Answer 1

To assess the accuracy and precision of the scale based on the mass readings provided (197 g, 198 g, 196 g), we need to understand the definitions:

• Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true value. In this case, the true value is 250 g. The average of the measurements (197 g, 198 g, 196 g) is approximately 197 g, which is far from the true value of 250 g. Thus, the scale is not accurate.

• Precision refers to how consistent the measurements are with each other. The measurements (197 g, 198 g, 196 g) are relatively close to each other, with only a 2 g difference between the smallest and largest readings. Therefore, the scale is considered precise.

Based on this analysis, the correct response is:

Precise but not accurate.