In the field of measurement and instrumentation, "true value" refers to the actual, accurate, and theoretically perfect value of a physical quantity being measured. It represents the quantity's value in the absence of any errors, uncertainties, or limitations in the measurement process or the measuring instrument itself.
In practice, obtaining the true value of a physical quantity is often impossible due to various factors, including limitations of measurement instruments, environmental conditions, human errors, and uncertainties in the measurement process. Instead, scientists and engineers aim to get as close as possible to the true value by using well-calibrated instruments, proper measurement techniques, and statistical analysis to account for and minimize errors and uncertainties.
When conducting measurements, the true value serves as a reference point against which the measured values are compared. The difference between the measured value and the true value is often referred to as the "measurement error" or "deviation." This error can arise from various sources, such as instrument inaccuracies, random fluctuations, systematic biases, and external influences.
The goal of measurement and instrumentation is to minimize measurement errors and uncertainties to obtain results that are as close to the true value as possible. This is achieved through careful calibration, proper experimental design, data analysis, and uncertainty estimation.
It's important to note that while the true value is a theoretical concept, its practical determination is challenging due to the inherent complexities and uncertainties involved in real-world measurements. Scientists and engineers work diligently to improve measurement techniques and instruments to approach the true value as closely as possible for reliable and accurate results.