Every time a measurement is made, there is some uncertainty about the result. This is not because the analyst making the measurement is inexperienced or makes mistakes, but because it is impossible to remove all the imperfections from the process of making the measurement. The size of these imperfections will depend on the instrument used to make the measurement and on the way in which the measurement is made. It is these imperfections in the measurement process that contribute to the uncertainty in the results that are produced.
Knowledge of measurement uncertainty is important because it tells us something about the reliability of a measurement. The results from measurements affect many areas of our lives. They are vital to trade, to the protection of health and the environment, to law enforcement and to manufacturing. Every day, many decisions are made, based on the results of measurements. It is vital that those making the decisions know something about the reliability of results they are using.
The booklet, 'Introducing Measurement Uncertainty' explains why measurement uncertainty is important, discusses the sources of uncertainty associated with basic laboratory operations, and takes the reader step by step through the process of estimating the uncertainty for the result from a titration experiment.
The booklet is aimed at students of science, in particular chemistry students. The level is suitable for anyone who is unsure about the concept of uncertainty or confidence in analytical results. It was specifically prepared for students studying A-level chemistry or its equivalent. However, many university students will not have received any instruction on how to estimate the uncertainty of their results, and they may find the material useful as an introduction.
This book is sold in multiples of 5 copies: price = �25.
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