Random error
Leaving Cert Physics · Nature of Science
Higher Level
An unpredictable variation that makes repeated readings scatter above and below the true value, caused by things such as reaction time or changing room conditions. Its effect is reduced by taking several readings and working out the mean.
Physics practice is part of Pro. Reading the definitions here is always free.
More Nature of Science terms
Get the free study guide
H1 Owl is now on the App Store: download it for iPhone. Sign up here and get The Leaving Cert Maths Game Plan, our free PDF study guide, straight away, plus occasional study tips.
Occasional emails, no spam. Under 16? Ask a parent to sign up for you.
Where next
All Physics terms
The whole Leaving Cert Physics glossary, grouped by strand and labelled by level.
Browse PhysicsQuestion of the day
One real Higher Level Maths question, new every day, with the explanation.
Answer today'sThe app
1,700+ original questions across Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Maths is free.
See the app