Interactive Simulator · Errors and uncertainties

Accuracy and Precision

A systematic error shifts every reading the same way, like a balance that reads high before anything is placed on it; it moves the cluster off the true value. A random error scatters readings on both sides; it spreads the cluster out. Set each separately and take a run of shots. The bullseye is the true value.

Mission Set the two errors, take a run, then classify the result before reading the verdict. Streak 0Best 0
This run is best described as:
distance of mean from true value
spread of the readings
Accuracy is how close the mean sits to the true value. Precision is how tightly the readings agree with each other.