Calibrate

Key Stage 4

Calibrating is when a scientist checks an instrument against a known value to see that it reads the correct value.

Calibration is used to correct for a zero error in which an instrument reads the wrong number.

To check a thermometer is calibrated a scientist could place it in boiling water to check that it reads 100°C and in freezing water to check that it reads 0°C.

To check an analogue ammeter is calibrated the dial can be read before a current is passed through it to see that it says zero.