Error Analysis
Definition
The honest accounting of uncertainty in measurements — how wrong your result might be, and why.
Technical definition
Quantifying random errors (statistical spread, reduced by repetition) and systematic errors (consistent bias, e.g., miscalibrated instruments). Propagated through calculations via partial derivatives or max-min bounds; reported as value ± uncertainty with correct significant figures.
Example
Timing a fall as 0.45 ± 0.02 s: the ±0.02 s (from reaction time) propagates into the computed g — honest physics reports the range, not just 0.45.
Common confusion
‘Error’ does not mean mistake — it means unavoidable uncertainty. And more decimal places do not mean more accuracy; a sloppy measurement reported to 6 figures is still sloppy.