Question

_______ errors cannot be predicted.

• A. \( \text{Determinate} \)
• B. \( \text{Operational} \)
• C. \( \text{Methodological} \)
• D. \( \text{Indeterminate} \)

Hint:

Think of "indeterminate" as "no pattern" or "random" – you can't guess when they'll happen or how big they'll be. Determinate errors, on the other hand, have a source you can potentially track down.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Errors in experimental measurements can be broadly classified into determinate (systematic) and indeterminate (random) errors. - Determinate errors are systematic errors that have a definite value and a known or knowable cause. They are often unidirectional and can be avoided or corrected once identified. Examples include instrumental errors, methodological errors, and operational errors. - Indeterminate errors (also called random errors) arise from uncontrolled variables in the experiment. They have an equal probability of being positive or negative, fluctuate randomly, and cannot be predicted or eliminated completely. These errors are responsible for the scatter of data around the mean value. Operational and methodological errors fall under the category of determinate errors as they have specific causes related to the experimental procedure or the method used. Therefore, indeterminate errors are the ones that cannot be predicted.