Truth and Traceability in Physics and Metrology

Metrological data is often blurred by the imperfections of the measuring process, and this book discusses a new error concept that treats unknown systematic errors as constants rather than randomizing them. This approach aims to localize the true values of the measurands and improve traceability.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 81 pages
\n Publication date: 30 October 2018
\n Publisher: Morgan & Claypool Publishers
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Metrological data is often distorted by the limitations of the measuring process. In the past, experimental endeavors primarily focused on irregular or random errors, while regular or constant errors were not considered a central concern. However, the current notation of unknown systematic errors aligns with this perspective. Surprisingly, the prevalent practice of admitting these unknown systematic errors as random is misleading. This book explores a novel error concept that departs from the conventional approach of randomizing unknown systematic errors. Instead, these errors will be treated as physical constants, unknown with respect to both magnitude and sign. The ideas presented in this book aim to progressively localize the true values of the measurands, ultimately enhancing traceability.

Introduction:
Metrological data, which represents measurements of physical quantities, is crucial for scientific research, engineering, and everyday applications. However, the accuracy and reliability of these data are often compromised by the imperfections of the measuring process. In the past, experimental activities primarily focused on irregular or random errors, while regular or constant errors were not considered a central concern. However, as scientific advancements have led to more precise and complex measurements, the importance of addressing unknown systematic errors has become increasingly apparent.

Common Practice:
Traditionally, unknown systematic errors were often treated as random errors. This approach was based on the assumption that these errors were unpredictable and could not be accurately estimated or controlled. As a result, researchers would randomize these errors by introducing random fluctuations or noise into the measurement process. This approach was considered reasonable because it allowed for the estimation of uncertainty and the calculation of confidence intervals, which were essential for making accurate predictions and conclusions.

Challenges:
However, the conventional approach to randomizing unknown systematic errors has several drawbacks. Firstly, it assumes that these errors are unpredictable and uncontrollable, which may not always be the case. In reality, many systematic errors can be identified and characterized through careful analysis and experimental design. By treating these errors as random, researchers may overlook important information that could help improve the accuracy and reliability of the measurements.

Secondly, randomizing unknown systematic errors can introduce bias and uncertainty into the measurement process. Random fluctuations or noise introduced during the randomization process can introduce errors that are not representative of the true underlying system. This can lead to inaccurate predictions and conclusions, which can have significant consequences in fields such as medicine, engineering, and environmental science.

New Error Concept:
To address these challenges, this book proposes a new error concept that treats unknown systematic errors as physical constants, unknown with respect to both magnitude and sign. This concept recognizes that unknown systematic errors can be identified and characterized through careful analysis and experimental design. By treating these errors as constants, researchers can accurately estimate their magnitude and sign, allowing for more precise and reliable measurements.

Benefits:
The new error concept has several benefits. Firstly, it provides a more accurate representation of the uncertainty associated with the measurements. By treating unknown systematic errors as constants, researchers can estimate the uncertainty more accurately, which can help improve the accuracy and reliability of the predictions and conclusions.

Secondly, the new error concept allows for a more comprehensive analysis of the measurement system. By identifying and characterizing unknown systematic errors, researchers can gain insights into the limitations and biases of the measurement system. This information can be used to improve the design and performance of the measurement system, leading to more accurate and reliable measurements.

Thirdly, the new error concept promotes a more transparent and accountable approach to scientific research. By treating unknown systematic errors as constants, researchers can disclose these errors and their magnitude and sign in their publications. This transparency can help build trust in the scientific community and promote the use of reliable and accurate measurements.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the conventional approach to randomizing unknown systematic errors has several drawbacks. By treating these errors as physical constants, unknown with respect to both magnitude and sign, this book proposes a new error concept that offers several benefits. This concept provides a more accurate representation of the uncertainty associated with the measurements, allows for a more comprehensive analysis of the measurement system, and promotes a more transparent and accountable approach to scientific research. As scientific advancements continue, it is essential to address the challenges of measuring uncertainty and improve the accuracy and reliability of metrological data.

\n Weight: 366g\n
Dimension: 188 x 264 x 12 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781643270975\n \n