Mõõtemääramatuse

Mõõtemääramatus refers to the doubt or uncertainty associated with the result of a measurement. It is an essential concept in metrology and scientific practice, acknowledging that no measurement can be perfectly exact. Mõõtemääramatus quantifies the range within which the true value of the measured quantity is likely to lie, with a specified level of confidence.

It arises from various sources, including the limitations of measuring instruments, environmental factors, and the skill of the observer. These uncertainties are typically expressed as a standard deviation or a wider interval, often referred to as the expanded uncertainty. The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) provides guidelines for evaluating and expressing mõõtemääramatus, ensuring consistency and comparability of measurement results worldwide.

Understanding and quantifying mõõtemääramatus is crucial for making informed decisions based on measurement data. It allows scientists, engineers, and quality control professionals to assess the reliability of their findings and to determine if a measurement result is adequate for its intended purpose. For instance, in manufacturing, mõõtemääramatus helps ensure that products meet required specifications. In scientific research, it is vital for validating hypotheses and drawing accurate conclusions. It is often reported alongside the measurement result, typically as a value added to the measurement with a plus-minus sign, indicating the upper and lower bounds of the uncertainty.