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Showing 1591–1620 of 1709 reference entries

PhysicsSpecular and diffuse reflection

Reflection angles are measured from the local normal.

Model
PhysicsTotal internal reflection and evanescent fields

Total reflected flux does not mean zero field beyond the interface.

Model
PhysicsSpherical-mirror images and signs

A virtual image is formed by ray extensions, not actual ray convergence.

Model
PhysicsPhotoelectric threshold and stopping potential

Photon frequency sets maximum photoelectron energy in the single-photon model.

Model
PhysicsDe Broglie wavelength and particle momentum

A momentum state has a spatial wave phase.

Model
MeasurementQuantity kind and physical dimension

Equal dimensions do not make quantities interchangeable.

Definition
MeasurementQuantity value, numerical value and unit

A numerical value depends on the chosen unit.

Definition
MeasurementCoherent derived units

Coherence means no extra numerical factor in the base-unit product.

Definition
MeasurementOrdinal quantities and nominal properties

Ordering and category labels do not justify ordinary arithmetic.

Definition
MeasurementMeasurement principle, method and procedure

A physical phenomenon, an approach and a detailed procedure have different roles.

Definition
MeasurementMeasuring instrument and measuring system

A complete measurement system can include more than one device.

Definition
MeasurementSensor, transducer and detector

Component names describe different measurement roles.

Definition
MeasurementInstrument indication and measurement result

A displayed reading is only one part of a measurement result.

Definition
MeasurementAdjustment, calibration and zero adjustment

Changing an instrument response differs from determining its calibration.

Definition
MeasurementReference and conventional quantity values

An accepted comparison value need not be an exact true value.

Definition
MeasurementIndication interval, measuring interval and span

Possible readings differ from a validated interval of measurement.

Definition
MeasurementRated operating conditions

Instrument properties are specified within a domain of use.

Definition
Measurement · ChemistrySelectivity of a measuring system

Responding to a target differs from excluding interference.

Definition
MeasurementDiscrimination threshold and dead band

An undetected input change differs from an interval with no output change.

Definition
MeasurementStability of a measuring instrument

Time stability differs from short-term repeatability.

Definition
MeasurementMaximum permissible error and accuracy class

A specification limit is not an uncertainty estimate.

Definition
MeasurementDefinitional uncertainty

More repetitions do not resolve an underspecified measurand.

Definition
MeasurementRelative standard uncertainty

Relative uncertainty uses a nonzero measured magnitude.

Definition
MeasurementBlank indications and null measurement uncertainty

A zero or blank reading can still have uncertainty.

Definition
MeasurementTarget measurement uncertainty

An intended-use target differs from achieved uncertainty.

Definition
MeasurementIntermediate precision conditions

Within-location changed conditions differ from strict repeatability.

Definition
MeasurementCommutability of a reference material

Certification alone does not establish equivalence across procedures.

Definition
ChemistrySubstances, elements, compounds and mixtures

Chemical composition and spatial uniformity describe different features of matter.

Definition
ChemistryPhysical change and chemical change

A change of phase need not change chemical identity.

Definition
ChemistryEmpirical, molecular and structural formulas

A formula's subscripts represent different information in different chemical models.

Definition
DefinitionSource checked

Indication interval, measuring interval and span

Measurement

Possible readings differ from a validated interval of measurement.

Key knowledge

An indication interval is bounded by the extreme possible indications. Its span is the absolute difference between those extremes. A measuring interval is the set of quantity values measurable with a specified instrumental uncertainty under defined conditions. A ±10V indication interval has20V span, but that interval alone does not establish a20V measuring capability. The lower limit of a measuring interval need not equal a detection limit.

Values and equations

span=|q_max−q_min|

span
Difference between the extreme indicated values chosen quantity unit
q_max,q_min
Extreme possible indications on the stated scale chosen quantity unit

Conditions and scope

  • Specify the instrument/configuration, units, bounds and operating conditions.
  • Use ordinary difference-based numerical spans on an appropriate interval scale; the formula does not define a span for arbitrary nominal or ordinal codes.
Sources · 3

References

Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.

  1. International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM3)Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology (JCGM)Reference guideVIM3, entry 4.3VIM3, entry 4.5VIM3, entry 4.7jcgm.bipm.org

Evidence and review

Read VIM4.3 indication-interval definition/notes,4.5 interval-span definition and±10V example,4.7 measuring-interval definition/notes. Keep the explicit specified-uncertainty condition and detection-limit distinction.

2026-10-10 · /root/audit_life_earth_chemistry — independent Chemistry/Life/Earth editor. Independent AI editorial review of this entry's statements, equations, applicability conditions and source coverage. Source checks apply to these claims within their stated limits.

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