The percentage error is a measure of how much a calculated value differs from the actual value, expressed as a percentage of the actual value. Absolute error, on the other hand, is the absolute value of the difference between the calculated value and the actual value. In other words, percentage error takes into account the magnitude of the actual value, while absolute error does not.
To calculate percentage error, you first subtract the actual value from the calculated value. Then, you divide that difference by the actual value and multiply by 100 to get a percentage. The formula can be written as: (|calculated value - actual value| / actual value) * 100
There is no specific range for percentage error that is universally accepted as "acceptable". It depends on the context of the experiment and the precision of the measurement instruments. In general, a lower percentage error is desirable, but it is also important to consider the limitations and sources of error in the experiment.
Some common sources of error in experiments include human error, limitations of measurement instruments, environmental factors (such as temperature or humidity), and systematic errors in the experimental setup. It is important to identify and minimize these sources of error to improve the accuracy of the results.
Error analysis is important because it helps us to understand the reliability and accuracy of our experimental results. By identifying and quantifying sources of error, we can determine the limitations of our experiment and make improvements for future studies. It also allows us to compare our results with other studies and draw meaningful conclusions from our data.