Calibration
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Definition
The process of comparing and adjusting a measuring instrument against a known reference standard to ensure its readings are accurate.
Explanation
A laboratory thermometer is calibrated by checking it at the ice point (0°C) and steam point (100°C) at standard atmospheric pressure. If it reads 0.3°C in ice water, a correction factor of −0.3°C is applied to all subsequent readings. Without regular calibration, instruments drift — a digital scale can gain or lose 0.5% accuracy per year.
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RELATED TERMS
Conversion Factor
A numerical multiplier used to convert a quantity from one unit to another.
Precision
The degree of refinement in a measurement, indicated by the number of significant digits.
Accuracy
How close a measurement is to the true value of the quantity being measured.
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A method of converting units by multiplying by conversion factors that equal 1.
Nautical Mile
A unit of distance used in sea and air navigation, equal to 1,852 meters.