Question

describe possible sources of random and systematic errors in the following measurements. lap times in the indianapolis 500 auto race
a. misalignment of the car detector
b. frequency drift in the lap clock
c. jitter in the lap clock
d. electrical noise in the lap clock
e. electrical noise in the car speedometer
f. electrical noise in the car detector
which of the following could be sources of systematic error? select all that apply.
a. electrical noise in the car speedometer
b. misalignment of the car detector
c. jitter in the lap clock
d. electrical noise in the car detector
e. frequency drift in the lap clock
f. electrical noise in the lap clock

Explanation:

Random errors are unpredictable fluctuations. Jitter in the lap - clock, electrical noise in the lap - clock and car detector are random as they vary unpredictably. Systematic errors are consistent, repeatable errors. Misalignment of the car detector can cause a consistent error in detecting lap - start/end times, and frequency drift in the lap - clock can cause a consistent error in time measurement. Electrical noise in the car speedometer is not relevant to lap - time measurement.

Answer:

Sources of random error: C. jitter in the lap clock, D. electrical noise in the lap clock, F. electrical noise in the car detector
Sources of systematic error: B. misalignment of the car detector, E. frequency drift in the lap clock