Uncertainty
In science, there's often not absolute certainty. But, research reduces
uncertainty. In many cases, theories have been tested and analyzed and examined
so thoroughly that their chance of being wrong is infinitesimal. Other times,
uncertainties linger despite lengthy research. In those cases, scientists make
it their job to explain how well something is known. When gaps in knowledge
exist, scientists qualify the evidence to ensure others don't form conclusions
that go beyond what is known.
Uncertainty is present when a quantity has been measured with an instrument. The uncertainty in the measurement is a result of the uncertainty of the instrument used, or of the skill of the person taking the measurement.
There are two ways to express uncertainty:
Absolute uncertainty: is expressed in the same units as the measurement itself.
Ex: 5.9 cm + 0.3 cm
Relative uncertainty: is expressed as a percentage of the measurement.
Ex: 5.9 cm + 5 %
uncertainty. In many cases, theories have been tested and analyzed and examined
so thoroughly that their chance of being wrong is infinitesimal. Other times,
uncertainties linger despite lengthy research. In those cases, scientists make
it their job to explain how well something is known. When gaps in knowledge
exist, scientists qualify the evidence to ensure others don't form conclusions
that go beyond what is known.
Uncertainty is present when a quantity has been measured with an instrument. The uncertainty in the measurement is a result of the uncertainty of the instrument used, or of the skill of the person taking the measurement.
There are two ways to express uncertainty:
Absolute uncertainty: is expressed in the same units as the measurement itself.
Ex: 5.9 cm + 0.3 cm
Relative uncertainty: is expressed as a percentage of the measurement.
Ex: 5.9 cm + 5 %