If a meteorologist uses a thermometer that always reads 1 degree higher than the actual temperature, then the error that results is ______. If a meteorologist is nearsighted and he reads the thermometer with a different amount and direction of inaccuracy each time, the error that results will be ______.
A) reliable; unreliable
B) unreliable; reliable
C) random; systematic
D) systematic; random

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the thermometer always reads 1 degree higher than the actual temperature, it is a systematic error. However, if the meteorologist's nearsightedness causes different amounts and directions of inaccuracy each time, it is a random error. Therefore, the first statement corresponds to systematic error and the second statement corresponds to random error, making option D the correct answer.

If a Meteorologist Uses a Thermometer That Always Reads 1