EXPERIMENT 2:
GRAPHING and MEASUREMENTS
Introduction: Graphs summarize numerical data efficiently and are usually easier to
understand and interpret than columns of numbers. In this experiment you will collect data and
construct a graph that makes an effective visual presentation. In advance before coming to lab,
Set up a data sheet similar to the report sheet. Include space for calculations.
Part 1: Measurements on rectangular metal pieces.
A kit with four rectangular or triangular pieces of metal will be provided to you. There will also
be an irregular piece in the kit, stamped with a code number. Obtain a ruler where 0.1 cm marks
are clearly visible – so you can estimate between the marks. Measure the mass and two
dimensions (length, width,) of each of the rectangular pieces to the nearest 0.01 cm.
Measuring the thickness (height) of metal pieces is tricky – so this third dimension will be
provided to you. The metals are finely milled to precise thickness given in English units (inches)
For example 0.0320 in or 0.0250 in or 0.0641 in. Convert to cm (1 inch = exactly 2.54 cm )
Measure across the middle since they have been cut by hand and may be slightly irregular. The
edges and corners are sharp – so you may want to handle the pieces with a pair of tweezers. keep
track of the dimensions given in inches on the envelope. Weigh the irregular piece (see part
3.) Keep the pieces in a weighing tray or dish to avoid losing them.
Part 2: Graphing linear data
1. Use a piece of graph paper with divisions no larger than 10 per inch, or 5 per cm to
graph: Mass (on y-axis) versus Volume (on x-axis). Title the graph and label both axes .
2. Select a scale that includes the range of values. It helps to select units with subdivisions
of 10, or 2 or 5 since the masses are in decimal units. Never use divisions of 3 or 4 for
instance. The graph should take up most of the graph paper. In general, the scales on
the x-axis and the y-axis do not need to start at 0. The first 3 examples are inappropriately
scaled graphs; #4 is best.
Start by counting 10 squares, make a mark, then mark every 10th square.
Distribute the units to be plotted as evenly as possible along the entire axis
and label every tenth square with a 1 or 10 or 0.1 or 2 or 20 of 0.2 or 5 or 50 or 0.50 etc
These three figures represent poor graphing technique ideal graph
3. Carefully plot the experimental points. Use a sharp pencil because it is easy to make
mistakes in this kind of plotting. Make small dots, and then draw small circles around them so
that they show up clearly. Using a clear ruler, draw the “best” straight line through the data
points. Don’t do this too hurriedly – it requires some judgment. If the points are somewhat
scattered, there should be equal numbers of them on either side of the line. Don’t connect the
dots in a zigzag!! When you have finished your graph, let your instructor check it and make
suggestions for changes and/or additions.
4. Determine the slope of the graph. Use two sets of coordinates from the line which are fairly
far apart and do not correspond to the original data points plotted. Remember, your graphed line
may or may not touch ANY of your original data points!
Remember that the slope is “rise over run”, or the difference between two y values divided by
the difference between two x values.
Use the slope formula: slope = y2 – y1
x2 – x1
Part 3. The mass and volume of an irregular shaped piece of metal
Weigh this piece; do not make any measurements on it with a ruler. Use your graph (read the
mass on the vertical axis) to determine the volume of this piece. Be sure to record the code
number of the irregularly shaped piece.
Select a proper scale – mark every 10th small division, label axes as shown
Plot the data points
The divisions on the
vertical scale do not
mass have to have the x
(g) same value as those
on the horizontal
x
The line should evenly
5- be straddled by the plotted
points. Do not connect points
4 - x
plot 3 -
unknown the volume of the unknown piece can be read off the
2 - graph,
x Mark every 10th division,
1 - with integers of 1 or 2 or 5 or
Multiples such as 10, 20 or sub-
multiples like 0.2 or 0.5 etc, not 3 or 4
‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘
. 10 . 20 .30 .40 etc
label axes with what is to be plotted volume (cm3)
as well as the units
EXPERIMENT 2: Report Sheet Name: ____________________________
GRAPHING AND MEASUREMENTS section: __________
Part 1: Data show units Calculated
values
Mass and dimensions of metal pieces (show units)
Mass Length Width Height (given) Volume
1 _________ __________ ___________ __________ ____________
2._________ __________ ___________ __________ ____________
3._________ __________ ___________ __________ ____________
4._________ __________ ___________ __________ ____________
Show set-up of one of the volume calculations.
Calculate the density (with units) of each piece.
Show setup for one calculation. 1. __________________
(Watch sig figs and show units.)
2. __________________
3. __________________
4. __________________
Calculate the mean (average) of the 4 density values. ___________
Part 2. Calculate the slope of the graph. Show units
Show set-up:
Question: What does the slope of the graph represent in this experiment? _________
( hint – what are the units of the slope ?)
Compare the slope of the graph with the mean value of the densities you calculated !
Are the values similar?
Calculate the % difference:
% difference = [ calculated value - value from graph ] x 100
calculated value _______ %
Part 3. Data:
Metal code # ____________ mass of the metal: _________________
volume of metal: __________ (read off the graph)
Attach the graph. If your instructor allows you to use a graphing program such as Excel,
you’ll need the equation of the straight line, from which you can get the slope and calculate the
volume of the metal (the x value).
