PHYSICS 1 LAB

LAB 01_ MEASUREMENTS AND SIGNIFICANT FIGURES

OBJECTIVES

• To measure dimensions of given metals using the dial-type caliper and calculate volume.
• To be able to identify unknown metals by determining the density of seven metal objects based on
volume calculations and mass measurements.
• Apply the rules of significant figures in all measurements and calculations.

APPARATUS

1 - set of 5 metal cylinders, 1-metal sphere, 1- rectangular prism metal, digital caliper, digital analytical balance

INTRODUCTION
Physical measurements in the laboratory often involve the reading of some scale. The graduation
of the scale of the instrument limits the measurement and the width of the lines marking the scale divisions
is by no means negligible. This leads the experimenter to estimate the last digit of the measurement (for
analog measuring tools). Thus, the measurement values are to some extent uncertain. The amount of
uncertainty depends on the apparatus used (instrumental uncertainty), the skill of the observer, and the
number of trials performed in the measurements. The way the measured number is reported implies that
there will always be some degree of uncertainty in the experimental results. [ For more information, read
“Measurements and Significant Figures” hand-out]

Several factors that may affect the measurements of physical quantities may give rise to variations in
reading. These variations in measurement readings of a physical quantity from the accepted or standard
value are called errors. Experimental errors are generally classified as systematic and random errors.

A systematic error is one that produces an error that would make all measurements too low (called a
negative error) or all too high (a positive error). Systematic errors may be due to personal, instrumental
or external factors.

Specific examples of personal errors may arise from the following: (a) Having a bias for a particular
measurement, (e.g., favoring the first measurement obtained, being prejudiced in favor of the
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member of the group or consciously taking the lowest reading, trying to fit the measurements to some
preconceived idea) (b) Incorrect readings from measuring instruments caused by not looking at the scale
markers at a perpendicular called a parallax error. The water level in a graduated cylinder may appear
different if viewed from above or below a line of sight perpendicular to the scale. (c) Not applying the rules
of significant figures and mistakes in calculations and rounding off. (d) Human reaction time when
instantaneous measurements are necessary.

The experimenter must try to eliminate personal errors by implementing proper laboratory skills and
disregarding personal biases in taking measurements.

An instrument that is improperly calibrated or not "zeroed", or an apparatus that is faulty or inaccurate,
as well as external factors such as temperature changes, atmospheric pressure, wind, humidity, and the presence
of vibrations affecting the result of sensitive experiments - may all lead to systematic errors. The experimenter
should take the necessary steps to reduce the effect of the possible factors giving rise to systematic errors such
as improving experimental techniques, using calibrated and more accurate measuring instruments, and the
inclusion of correction factors in the calculations when needed.

When the errors are erratic or random, both positive and negative errors are equally probable. It may be
due to a large number of variable conditions and other unknown factors that are beyond the control of the
observer such as the unpredictable fluctuations in temperature or line voltage, and the mechanical vibrations of
the experimental set-up. By increasing the number of trials in each measurement, random errors may be
minimized, and descriptive measures of statistics may be applied.

PROCEDURE: DETERMINATION OF THE DENSITY OF METALS

Figure 1. Set of Cylindrical Metals

1. Measure the mass of each of the given metals numbered as follows: The cylindrical shaped metals are
numbered 1 to 5; the rectangular block is metal 6 and the sphere is metal 7. Repeat the measurement
three times. Take the mean mass value and round off to correct number of significant figures.
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[Note: The maximum capacity of the digital balance is 600 g (21 oz), so do not try to weigh objects that
seem to be more massive than what the digital balance can handle. The digital balance has 7 weighing
modes but for this lab, use the gram (g) mode. The balance has instrumental uncertainty of 0.01 g. Remove
the 2 small supporting foam on the sides of the balance before using and make sure to replace when done.
Handle the digital balance with care.]

2. Measure the appropriate dimensions [length, width, height, and diameter] of all the given metals with a
digital caliper. Repeat each measurement three times. Take the mean value and round off to correct
number of significant figures. [Note: If you’re using the digital caliper, choose the “mm” measuring unit.
Check that the screen reads zero when the external measuring jaws are closed. If not, press the “zero”
button. Handle the caliper with care and turn off when done.
Measuring diameter of the metal sphere: Place the sphere between the jaws of the caliper and
lightly close the jaws on the diameter of the sphere. Apply just enough pressure that the contacts can
hold the sphere, but do not squeeze the jaws too tightly since it can give false measurement. Measure
the diameter of the sphere at least 3 times. Rotate the sphere when measuring the diameter so that you
don't always measure between the same two points on the sphere.

Figure 2. Parts of the Digital Caliper

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3. Calculate the volume of each metal and round off final answer to correct significant figures.
a) Volume of a cylinder – metals 1 to 5
b) Volume of a rectangular block - metal 6
c) Volume of a sphere - metal 7

4. Calculate the density of each metal based on the mean mass and calculated volume.

5. Look up a list of densities for common metals and identify the metals. Cite your reference. Compare
your experimental value to the known value. Research the physical properties of the metals you
tried to identify to double check. Choose whether to use percent error or percent difference and
explain why your choice is more appropriate to use.

LAB REPORT CHECKLIST: Read “Lab Report Guidelines and Rubric”. [ The Lab Report must be stapled
and pages in order, front side only, typewritten except equations and calculations.]

The Lab Report includes the following:

Abstract (10 pts); Data Table (43 points total: 4 pts/metal = 28 +4 pts = 32; summary and identification = 11
pts]); Sample Calculations (37 points: 2 pts /item); Analysis and Conclusion (10 pts), Distribution of Work
.

(Updated: 01/11/2023)

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