Minimizing Errors. When weighing a model 22F car battery, the measuring instrument is very precise, and the weight is obtained 10 consecutive times.

a. All 10 measurements are not likely to be exactly the same; thus, the measurements will contain some sources of error. Are these errors systematic or random? Explain.

b. If you want to minimize the effect of random errors in determining the true weight of the battery, which is the better choice: to choose one of the 10 measurements at random or to report the average of all 10 measurements?

Explain.

c. Describe any possible sources of systematic errors in the 10 measurements.

d. Can the process of averaging all 10 weights help reduce any systematic errors? Why or why not?