Technological University of the Philippines - Taguig

GENERAL PHYSICS - PHYSB

EXPERIMENT # 1

Name: Date:

Course/Section: Group NO:

Experiment Measurements, Accuracy, Precision, and Significant Figures

title

Learning  Evaluate the accuracy and precision of experimental measurements.

Competencies  Discuss the concept of measurement uncertainty and its influence on experimental
results.
 Demonstrate knowledge of common laboratory instruments used for measurements
(e.g., rulers, vernier caliper, micrometer caliper).

Objectives 1. To determine length using a ruler, vernier caliper, and micrometer.

2. To determine the level of precision of the various measurement instruments.
3. To distinguish between the precision and accuracy of measures.
4. To employ basic quantitative methodologies to assess measured quantities.

Introduction The fundamental basis of scientific inquiry originates in the attention to detail and
preciseness of measurements. In this experiment, we explore the fundamental concepts of
accuracy, precision, and significant figures, which are vital in the field of experimental science.
Accuracy in measurement is determined by its proximity to the true or accepted value, while
precision evaluates the consistency and reproducibility of results. Meanwhile, the use of
significant figures is crucial in communicating the accuracy and constraints of experimental data.

The main objective of this experiment is to provide students with a thorough understanding
of measurement principles. This will enable them to make precise and accurate measurements,
while also emphasizing the importance of expressing these measurements with the appropriate
level of precision. Through a comprehensive exploration of significant figures, participants will
gain the skills to effectively convey the accuracy of their measurements.

Precise and accurate measurements are essential for scientific research. In any scientific
discipline, the accuracy of experimental results depends on the precision of measurements
obtained. In addition, careful attention to significant figures promotes transparency in data
reporting and enhances communication within the scientific community.

In this experiment, students will have the opportunity to participate in practical activities that
involve exploring different measurement techniques and instruments commonly utilized in
measuring length such as ruler, vernier caliper, and micrometer caliper. The emphasis will be
on understanding the sources of error, calibrating instruments for accurate readings, and
interpreting data with an awareness of significant figures. Practical applications enhance the
understanding of measurement principles by reinforcing theoretical concepts, resulting in in-
depth comprehension.

Vernier Caliper: A measuring tool that is used to measure linear dimensions. It is also used to
measure the diameters of circular objects using the measuring jaws. Vernier calipers commonly
used in industry provide a precision to a hundredth of a millimeter (10 micrometers), or one
thousandth of an inch. Parts and Functions are illustrated in the given figure.
 Micrometer Caliper: A micrometer is a tool used for making accurate linear measurements of
dimensions such as diameter, thickness, and lengths of solid objects. This tool features a C-
shaped frame with a jaw that can be easily adjusted using a screw mechanism. The precision
of the measurement relies on the lead of the screw, whereas the accuracy of the measurement
is contingent on the precision of the screw-nut combination. Micrometers are measuring
instruments for extremely precise measurements. They're accurate up to 0.001mm (one-
thousandth of a millimeter) or 0.0001 inches (or ten-thousandth of an inch).

Training Ruler
Equipment/ Vernier caliper
Materials Micrometer caliper
Regular solid
Triple beam balance
Marble/steel ball
50-mL beaker
Experimental
Set -up

Job 1: Measurements of dimensions

1. Measure the dimensions of a 50-mL beaker, regular solid and metal ball using a ruler, vernier
caliper, and micrometer caliper. Please repeat this step three times. Record measured values
in Table 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3.

2. Calculate the average of all the measured dimension using the given equation:
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠
𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 =
𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠

3. Record in Table 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3.

Job 2: Determination of volume and density.

A. Plastic cylinder
1. Weigh the plastic cylinder, using triple beam balance. Record measured values in Table
2.
Procedure 2. Calculate the volume of the 50 mL beaker using the given equation:
Note: Use the π on the calculator. Do not use 3.14 or 3.1416 as it would affect the
accuracy of the calculation.
2
𝐷̅
𝜋 (𝑜𝑢𝑡 ̅ 2)
− 𝑖𝑛
𝐷
𝑉𝑐𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 = ̅
.𝐻
4
3. Determine the density using the formula: Record all calculated values in Table 2.

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑚

𝜌𝑒𝑥𝑝 = =
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑉

B. Regular Solid and metal ball

4. Weigh the regular solid and metal ball assigned to your group, using triple beam
balance. Record measured values in Table 2.
5. Calculate the volume of the assigned regular solid using the given equation below:
 Note: Use the π on the calculator. Do not use 3.14 or 3.1416 as it would affect the
accuracy of the calculation.

Regular Solid Volume Formula Dimensions

Sphere 4 r = Radius of the sphere
𝑉 = 𝑟3
3

Prism 𝑉 = 𝐵𝑥ℎ B = Area of base, (B = side2 or length. breadth)

h = Height
Cube 𝑉 = 𝑠3 s = Length of edge or side
Cuboid 𝑉 = 𝑙𝑤ℎ l = Length
w = Width
h = Height
cone 1 r = Radius of the circular base
𝑉= 𝜋𝑟2 ℎ
3 h = Height
Rectangular pyramid 1 l = Length of the base,
𝑉 = 𝑙𝑤ℎ w = Width of base,
3
h = Height (base to tip)

6. Determine the density using the formula: Record all calculated values in Table

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑚

𝜌𝑒𝑥𝑝 = =
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑉

7. Compare this experimental density to the theoretical density provided in Table 1.2.
Compute for the percentage error using the following formula:

𝜌𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 − 𝜌𝑒𝑥𝑝
% 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = | | × 100
𝜌𝑒𝑥𝑝

TABLE 1.1:
Beaker
Trial Ruler Vernier caliper
Diameter D (cm) Height Diameter (cm) Height(cm)
Outside Inside H(cm) Outside Inside
1
2
3
Average

TABLE 1.2:

Regular Solid
Trial Ruler Vernier caliper
Dimensions Dimensions
Data and
results
1
2
3
Average

Table 1.3:

Metal ball
Trial Micrometer caliper
Dimensions

1
2
3
Average
Table 2.1:

Derived Quantities and Percentage Error

(beaker) (Marble)

Ruler Vernier caliper

Mass, m (g)

Average inside diameter, 𝐷𝑖𝑛 (cm)

average outside diameter, 𝐷𝑜𝑢𝑡 n/a

(cm)

average height, 𝐻 (cm) n/a

Volume, V (cm3)

Experimental, ρexp
Density,
Theoretical, ρtheo
(g/cm3)
% error

Table 2.1

(Regular solid)

Ruler Vernier caliper

Mass, m (g)

Average dimension (cm)

Average dimension (cm)

Average dimension (cm)

Volume, V (cm3)

Experimental, ρexp
Density,
Theoretical, ρtheo
(g/cm3)
% error

Calculations

ANALYSIS OF RESULTS:

1. Based on the data in Table 1.1, analyze and contrast the average diameter of the beaker obtained by
measurements with a ruler and a vernier. - both the ruler and the vernier provide similar
measurements, the vernier appears to offer a slightly more precise reading. This could be due to the
vernier's ability to measure to a smaller unit, allowing for more detailed measurements. However, the
difference in this case is minimal, indicating that both tools are effective for the task at hand.
 2. Compare the precision and accuracy of the vernier caliper, micrometer caliper,
and ruler. Identify which instrument provides the most precise and accurate
measurements. - if the goal is to achieve the most precise and accurate
measurements, a micrometer caliper would be the preferred choice among the
three tools discussed. Vernier calipers offer a good compromise between
precision and accuracy for a wide range of applications, while rulers, while
Analysis of
useful for many tasks, may not provide the same level of precision and
Results
accuracy as the other two tools.
3. Identify potential sources of systematic errors.
- Human Error can cause reading the ruler incorrectly or estimating the position
of the zero mark can introduce errors. Training and practice can reduce this
type of error.

The choice of instrument depends on the required level of precision and the
nature of the measurements. Systematic errors can be minimized through
proper calibration, regular maintenance, and careful handling of the
instruments. Understanding the limitations and potential sources of error in
Conclusion each measuring tool is crucial for achieving accurate and reliable
measurements.

References:

https://www.freemansgroup.com/blog/how-to-read-a-vernier-caliper-and-its-various-measuring-applications/

https://www.compadre.org/osp/EJSS/3953/106.htm

https://byjus.com/physics/micrometer/