CHEMISTRY GLOSSARY

Absolute error is a difference between the obtained value (O) and the real value (μ). It is shown in employed for measuring (g, cm³, ...). For example, if three replicate weights for an object are 1.00 g, 1.05 g, and 0.95 g, the absolute error can be expressed as ±0.05 g. Absolute error is also used to express inaccuracies; for example, if the "true value" is 1.11 g and the measured value is 1.00 g, the absolute error could be written as 1.00 g - 1.11 g = -0.11 g. Note that when absolute errors are associated with indeterminate errors, they are preceded by "±"; when they are associated with determinate errors, they are preceded by their sign.