UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

PHY094

LAB REPORT

( EXPERIMENT 1 )

BASIC PHYSICAL MEASUREMENT

PI080S026 (Group 4)

PREPARED FOR:

A’BIR WARDATI BINTI ABD.LATIF

PREPARED BY:

NO NAME STUDENT ID
1 MOHAMAD WAFIY BIN MOHAMAD SAHARUDDIN 2023677426

2 ARISSA SARAH BINTI EDDY ZURAIDA 2023661618

3 NORHASLIN BINTI SHARI 2023659428

4 NUR SYAMEERA AZRINA BINTI CHE NOOR 2023660962

DATE OF EXPERIMENT

15 AUGUST 2023
ABSTRACT

The purpose of the experiment is to measure the length, width, and height of a
rectangular object using Vernier Caliper and also to determine the density of cylindrical
objects from its basic measurement of height, diameter, and mass using Micrometer
Screw Gauge and Triple Beam Mass Balance. Besides, we also need to determine the
value of pi, π using the π set. We have to record the reading of the length, width, and
height for rectangular objects and the reading of the height, diameter, and mass of
cylindrical objects for three times and the average reading is calculated. At the end of
the experiment, based on the data that we obtained, the gradient and the percent error
of the gradient are calculated from the circumference vs diameter of the disk that we
have been plotting.

INTRODUCTION
Basic quantities are physical quantities that cannot be defined in terms of other
quantities for example length ,mass and time. These physicals quantities can be
measured by using measuring tools such as meter rules, triple beam mass balance and a
timer. Each measuring tools give different precision in the reading depending on the size
of the smallest division on the scale. For example, a standard ruler can measure length
up to the nearest millimeter, while a vernier caliper can measure length up to the
nearest 0.1 millimeter.

One of the measuring tool that mostly used in measuring an accurate value is
Vernier Caliper. A vernier caliper named after Pierre Vernier, is a visual aid to take an
accurate measurement reading between two graduation marking on a linear scale by
using a mechanical interpolation, thereby increasing resolution and reducing
measurement uncertainty by using vernier acuity to reduce human estimation error .

Next, a micrometer, sometimes known as a micrometer screw gauge, is a device

incorporating a calibrated screw widely used for accurate measurement of components
in mechanical engineering and machining as well as most mechanical trades, along with
other metrological instruments such as dial, vernier, and digital calipers. Micrometers
are specially designed for the measurement of very small objects. They allow for the
highly precise measurement of any item that fits between the anvil and spindle.
Standard types of micrometers can be used for the fine measurement of items under
one inch in length, depth, and thickness.

However ,while taking measurement ,we have to consider the uncertainty too
because the measured value and its uncertainty must always have the same number of
digits after the decimal point. Hence, the average reading must be taken to avoid any
parallax error. The equation that can be used in this experiment is:

Measured quantity = Average quantity, 𝛼  ± standard deviation, 𝜎

Every measurement is subject to some uncertainty. The measurement result is only

complete if it is accompanied by a statement of the uncertainty in the measurement .

METHODOLOGY

A. Measurement of a rectangular object

1. Suitable rectangular object are used. (small box)

2. The length, width, and height of the rectangular object was measured using
vernier caliper. The readings were recorded in Table 1.1.
3. Steps 2 was repeated to obtain three sets of readings. The average value was
calculated.

B. Measurement of cylindrical objects.

1. Two of the cylindrical objects in the discover density set were selected.
2. The diameter was measured using micrometer screw gauge to obtain the
radius and height of the cylindrical objects. The readings were recorded in
Table 1.2 and Table 1.3.
3. The mass of the cylindrical objects was measured using triple beam mass
balance. The readings were recorded in Table 1.2 and Table 1.3 respectively.
4. Steps 2 and 3 were repeated to obtain three sets of readings. The average
value was calculated.
C. Determine the value of π by using π set.

1. The circumference and diameter for all disks from the smallest to the biggest
was measured.
2. The readings were recorded in Table 1.4.

3. Step 1 was repeated to obtain three sets of readings. Calculate the average
values.

RESULTS

A. Rectangular Object

Rectangular Object
Measurement Length, Width Height, (m)
Reading 1, 0.0357 0.01922 0.01922
Reading 2, 0.0357 0.01922 0.01922
Reading 3, 0.0357 0.01922 0.01922
Average 0.0357 0.01922 0.01922
reading

B. Cylindrical Object

Cylindrical Object A
 Measurement Radius, r (m) Height, h (m) Mass, m (kg)
Reading 1, 0.0111 0.0107 0.0062
Reading 2, 0.0111 0.0107 0.0062
Reading 3, 0.0111 0.0107 0.0062
Average 0.0111 0.0107 0.0062
reading

Cylindrical Object B
Measurement Radius, r (m) Height , h (m) Mass, m (kg)
Reading 1, 0.0111025 0.02034 0.011
Reading 2, 0.0111025 0.02034 0.011
Reading 3, 0.0111025 0.02034 0.011
Average 0.0111025 0.02034 0.011
reading

C. DISK

Disk 1 Disk 2 Disk 3 Disk 4

Measurement Circumference, C (m)
Reading 1, 0.0162 0.200 0.278 0.313
Reading 2, 0.0162 0.200 0.279 0.313
Reading 3, 0.0162 0.200 0.278 0.313
Average reading 0.0162 0.200 0.278 0.313
Measurement Diameter, d (m)
Reading 1, 0.051 0.063 0.088 0.100
Reading 2, 0.051 0.063 0.088 0.100
Reading 3, 0.051 0.063 0.088 0.100
Average reading 0.051 0.063 0.088 0.100
ANALYSIS
A. Rectangular Object

Rectangular Object
Measurement Length, l (m) Width, w (m) Height, h (m)
Deviation I 0.0357-0.0357 0.01922-0.01922 0.01922-0.01922
=0 =0 =0
Deviation II 0.0357-0.357 0.01922-0.01922 0.01922-0.01922
=0 =0 =0
Deviation III 0.357-0.357 0.01922-0.01922 0.01922-0.01922
=0 =0 =0
Standard √ √ 0^2+0^2+0^2÷2 √ 0^2+0^2+0^2÷2
deviation 0^2+0^2+0^2÷2 =0 =0
=0

B. Cylindrical Objects

Cylindrical Objects A
Measurement Radius, r (m) Height, h (m) Mass, m (kg)
Deviation I 0.111-0.111 0.0107-0.107 0.0062-0.0062
=0 =0 =0
Deviation II 0.111-0.111 0.0107-0.107 0.0062-0.0062
=0 =0 =0
Deviation III 0.111-0.111 0.0107-0.107 0.0062-0.0062
=0 =0 =0
Standard √ √ √ 0^2+0^2+0^2÷2
deviation 0^2+0^2+0^2÷2 0^2+0^2+0^2÷2 =0
=0 =0

Density 0.0062÷(22/7)(0.111)^2(0.0107)
=1496.36
Uncertainty for (0/0.0062+2(0/0.111)+0/0.0107)(1496.36)
cylindrical objects =0
 Cylindrical Objects B
Measurement Radius, r (m) Height , h (m) Mass, m (kg)
Deviation I 0.0111025- 0.02034-0.02034 0.011-0.011
0.0111025 =0 =0
=0
Deviation II 0.0111025- 0.02034-0.02034 0.011-0.011
0.0111025 =0 =0
=0
Deviation III 0.0111025- 0.02034-0.02034 0.011-0.011
0.0111025 =0 =0
=0
Standard √ √ √ 0^2+0^2+0^2÷2
deviation 0^2+0^2+0^2÷2 0^2+0^2+0^2÷2 =0
=0 =0

Density 0.011÷(22/7)(0.0111025)^2(0.02034)
=1395.97

Uncertainty for (0/0.011+2(0/0.0111025)+0/0.02034)(1395.97)

cylindrical objects =0
 C. Disk

CALCULATION
Gradient of the graph: (0.313-0.162/0.100-0.051)
=3.0816
Percentage error of the gradient:
(Estimated number-Actual number)/Actual number×100
=(3.142-3.0816)/3.0816×100
=1.96
DISCUSSION
In this physics lab, we conducted various measurements using fundamental tools such
as the Vernier caliper, micrometer screw gauge, density set, triple beam balance, and
the π set.

In the first part, we used the vernier caliper to obtain the measurement of the knob
under the pan until the pointer is directed at zero. The rectangular object was a small
cuboid box from the density set. We also considered the uncertainty from random error.
These types of error result in measured values that are frequently too high or too low.
Thus, we have taken a few readings to obtain the average reading. Therefore, this helps
to reduce the probability of parallax error and obtain a more accurate reading.

In the second part, we used micrometer screw gauge to measure the radius and height
of two cylindrical objects, A and B from the density set. Before each measurement, zero
error was obtained by rotating the circular scale of the screw gauge which is repeated to
the maximum extent. The zero error that was obtained was a negative zero error
because the reference line was slightly below than the zero reading. Then, negative
error correction was done by subtracting the negative zero error from the actual reading
of each measurement. Next, we used triple beam mass balance to measure masses for
two cylindrical objects, A and B. In order to obtain accurate readings, we adjusted the
knob under the pan until the pointer was directed at zero.

In the third part, we measured the circumference and diameter of a disk using
The π set. Four different disks were used and were measured three times to obtain the
average reading. When a reading was obtained, we subtracted the zero error which was
one centimeter (1cm) from the initial reading. The graph plotted from the relationship
between the circumference and diameter of each disk increases linearly. In
experiments, there may be slight errors while measuring instruments as there are many
factors contributing to the imperfection of measurements. Based on the calculations, it
was found that the slope or gradient of the graph plotted is 3.0816. Then, the
percentage error of the gradient was calculated which is 1.96%. Thus, it was found out
that there is an error while conducting this experiment. The difference between π and
3.0816 is 0.0604.
CONCLUSION
Micrometer screw gauge can use to measure the thickness or diameter of a small
object. Usually diameter and height of cylindrical objects is measured using this
equipment because it can measure up to an accuracy of 0.01 mm to 0.001 cm. On the
other hand,Vernier caliper is used to measure the internal diameter of a tube or
cylinder. It is also used to measure the length, width, and height of a rectangular object
with an accuracy of 0.1mm. Next, the triple beam balance can precisely measure mass in
range between 10mg and 1kg. Lastly, π set is used to measure the circumference or area
of a circle. To find the area of a circle just multiply π by the radius squared.
POST-LAB QUESTIONS
1. Why is it better to take more than one reading for the same measured quantity
compared to one reading?
It is better to take many readings for the same measured quantity than single reading
because the reading of measurement can be obtained more accurately.

2. From the experiment that you have conducted, is it necessary to find uncertainties?
Explain your answer.
Yes, it is required for analyzing the errors from the obtained results of an experiment.
Errors and uncertainties occur naturally due to the selection of instruments, the
condition of the instrument and laboratory, calibration of equipment, environmental
conditions, manual observation, and measurement of readings. , the reading of an
experiment must be taken more than once to prevent any parallax error.

3. Circumference, C of a cylinder is 2π. Thus, for the graph of circumference vs

diameter, state what does the gradient shows.
Gradient is π

4. In what situations would you prefer to use a micrometer screw gauge over a vernier
caliper, and vice versa?
Micrometer screw gauge can be used for measuring the diameter of thin wires, the
thickness of small sheets such as glass or plastics while vernier caliper can be use find
the thickness, inner dimension and outer dimension of an object.

5. What are the limitations of using a vernier caliper for length measurements?
The scale for the vernier caliper is 0.02 mm which is exceedingly small and can be
difficult to read while measuring length. Thus, parallax error is likely to happen and can
cause inaccuracy in the reading.
REFERENCE
1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/experimental-
uncertainty#:~:text=It%20is%20required%20for%20analyzing,manual%20observation%2
C%20measurement%20of%20readings
2. https://byjus.com/jee/vernier-caliper/
3.