Question

A standard 10.00 g mass is weighed on an analytical balance 100 times. The average and standard deviation obtained gives 10.12 ± 0.03 g. A calibration service is called. After the balance is recalibrated, the new measurements show 10.00 ± 0.03 g. Did the recalibration result in improved accuracy or precision?

Answer 1

Answer:

There was an improvement in accuracy. There was no change in precision.

Explanation:

The average mass after recalibration is closer to the mass of the standard, so the recalibration improved the accuracy (the measurement is closer to an accepted 'true' value).

The standard deviation did not change, so the precision (or how disperse the measurements are) was not affected.