Calibration

What is Calibration? What is the definition of Calibration?

Calibration is the comparison between one instrument and another instrument known to be more accurate, under conditions as nearly as possible identical to those existing in the test setup.

Calibration and Basic standards of six fundamental quantities and local standards

The basic standards for the six fundamental quantities, length, mass, time, electric current, temperature and luminous intensity are controlled. From these basic standards, local standards are produced from which calibration can be conducted as required. The more calibration steps from the basic standard, the less reliable the instrument being calibrated will be.

Check Calibration

A check calibration should be conducted before every test series. If a check calibration is not possible, preliminary runs of the science experiment should be conducted to give a 'feel' for the equipment involved. Margin of error should be accounted for in case of possible inaccuracies and errors. Instrument calibration records should be filed for later use and should be up to date.

The importance of Calibration

Calibration is very important in science experiments. There are many errors that can occur during science experiments and some of them can be avoided with good calibration of science instruments. For example, incorrect zero setting and damage to indicating mechanisms can cause variations of measuring instruments. Examples of these scientific errors can occur in micrometers, dial gauges, pressure gauges and stop-clocks. The result is error in the instrument output which results in different incorrect readings of science experiments.