Paper 2 · Units and Measurement
What term describes an error that affects every reading in a set of measurements by the same amount and in the same direction?
Model answer
systematic error
Also accepted: a systematic error
Explanation: A systematic error affects all readings by the same magnitude and direction, for example an error built into an instrument's zero setting or calibration.
Derived from ZIMSEC Physics Paper 2, June 2004, Q1