Stability of a measuring instrument
Time stability differs from short-term repeatability.
Key knowledge
Instrument stability is the property whereby metrological properties remain constant in time. It can be quantified by a time interval over which a property changes by a stated amount, or by the change over a stated interval. A small repeatability spread over a short run does not establish long-term stability or absence of drift.
Conditions and scope
- Specify which metrological property, conditions, interval and acceptable change are being assessed.
- Environmental changes and elapsed time can act together; a stability statement must name the characterization domain.
Sources · 1
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Read VIM4.19 definition and quantification note. Contrast with the existing drift/precision definitions without claiming a universal numerical stability interval.
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.
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- foundation-measurement-instrument-stability
- Revision
- foundations-refresh.1
- Structured reference record
- Foundational reference additions