Gross Errors: Definition, Examples, How To Reduce It, and Uses (2024)

Measurement errors are the errors that arise during the measurement process. An error or fault is defined as the difference between the calculated and exact worth. For example, if two machinists use the same instrument to detect measurement errors, it is not needed to obtain the same results. However, there will be a small difference between the two measurements, which is known as an error. Errors can occur from a variety of sources and are often divided into Gross Errors, Systematic Errors and Random Errors.

In this Physics article, we will discuss more about gross errors, its examples and how to reduce them.

Gross Error

Gross errors are physical errors in analytical apparatus or in computing and recording measurement results. Gross errors are those that occur as a result of the observer’s lack of experience while taking measurement results. The notion of gross error is entirely based on the observer or such a specific experiment. These errors are caused by the observer while utilising instruments, capturing data, and computing some type of experiment measurement findings. As a result, it is classified as a human error.

Causes of Gross Error

To explain the causes of gross errors, we have taken vernier caliper as an example. Some important causes of gross errors are as follows.

• Improper handling: This can include not properly aligning the jaws of the vernier caliper with the object being measured, holding the caliper at an incorrect angle, or failing to read the scale correctly.
• Poor judgment: This can include not selecting the appropriate jaws or scale for the measurement being taken, or failing to properly account for any anomalies or irregularities in the object being measured.
• Inexperience: Inexperienced users may make errors in properly using the jaws, sliding them to the correct position, or interpreting the readings correctly.
• Equipment failure: This can include problems with the caliper itself, such as damaged jaws or a misaligned scale, or with the object being measured, such as an irregular surface or deformity.
• Human factors: This can include physiological factors such as fatigue or stress, which can affect a user's ability to properly operate the caliper and read the scale accurately.

Examples of Gross Error

Gross error is considered a human error because the majority of the error is due to the individual’s incorrect or thoughtless behaviour. Some of the prominent examples of the tendency for gross error are listed below:

Consider a person interpreting a pressure gauge that reads \(3.12 N/m^2\) as \(3.21 N/m^2\). This is an example of gross error since when we calculate further, we will see a significant shift in the practical implementation.

Another major gross error occurs when an experimenter uses the instrument without properly setting it up and reading data without considering the restrictions and safeguards.

How To Reduce Gross Errors

Difference Between Gross and Systematic Error

The difference between gross and systematic errors are given below.

Other Types of Errors

Systematic Errors

Systematic errors are a type of error that can occur in scientific experiments or measurements. These errors are often caused by flaws in the equipment or methodology used, and they can result in measurements that are consistently too high or too low.

Random Errors

Random errors are a type of error that can occur in scientific experiments or measurements. These errors are caused by unpredictable variations in the conditions or environment during the experiment, and they can result in measurements that are scattered around the true value.

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