Systematic Error
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Definition
A consistent, repeatable deviation of measurements from the true value, caused by a flaw in the instrument, method, or experimental design.
Explanation
A scale with a 0.5 g offset reads every measurement as 0.5 g too high — this is a systematic error that averaging many measurements cannot eliminate. A thermometer not accounting for stem correction will always read slightly too low. Unlike random errors, systematic errors shift all readings in the same direction and require identifying and correcting the root cause.
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