Experiment 1

Measurement
Advanced Reading the-envelope" calculation based on crude
Lab Appendices, pages A2 to A9 measurements to test a hypothesis.

Equipment In this experiment, you will use a variety

of methods to measure the fundamental
• Vernier caliper quantities of length, mass, and time (Fig.
• stopwatch 1-1). You will then examine the inherent
• 30 cm ruler uncertainty of the different measurement
• meter stick methods and learn to propagate these
• wooden block uncertainties
• metal object
• Dial-o-gram balance Procedure
• masses of various values
• 5 circular objects of various sizes Part A. Estimation of Fundamental
Quantities
Objectives
Time
In this experiment you will: (1) learn the
proper usage of a ruler, meter stick, 1. Estimate a 30 second time interval
Vernier caliper, stopwatch, and Dial-o- while your lab partner uses the stopwatch
gram balance, (2) determine the volume to time you. (A good way to do this is to
and density of an object while following tap your foot, trying to establish a 1
the rules of uncertainty propagation, and second rhythm.) Repeat this process for
(3) learn to use graphics software by your lab partner. Next, estimate a one
determining the relationship between the minute interval.
circumference of a circle and its diameter.
2. Calculate the percent error of the
Theory estimated times from the actual times. See
the "General Laboratory Introduction" for
The fundamental quantities of mechanics a discussion of percent error.
are length, mass, and time. The SI units
for these quantities are the meter (m), Length (distance)
kilogram (kg), and second (s),
respectively. All other mechanical 3. Close your eyes and hold out your
quantities can be stated in terms of these hands to estimate one meter. Have your
quantities. For example, the unit for force lab partner measure this length with the
in the SI system is the Newton which is 1 meter stick. Repeat the process for your
N = 1 kg m/s2. In terms of fundamental lab partner. Calculate the percent error of
quantities, a Newton is your estimated meter from the actual
[mass][length]/[time]2. meter.

In the physics laboratory it is important to Mass

know how to measure these quantities
with precision and accuracy, and also to 4. With your eyes closed, have your lab
know when to do so. For example, it is partner place a known mass in your hands.
sometimes appropriate to do a "back-of- Guess the mass in grams (1/1000 of a
kilogram). Do the same for your lab
partner. Repeat this process with a object. To do this, wrap a piece of string
different masse. Calculate percent error. around each object and measure the length
of string required to encircle the object.
Part B. Measurement of fundamental
quantities using more sophisticated 11. Graph C vs. D from parts 9 and 10.
techniques Use the graphics software on the
computers. Use the linear fit command
5. Using the 30 cm ruler, measure the from the menu to plot a best-fit line.
length, width, and height of the wooden Label both axes properly, including the
block. Include uncertainty on ach units. Refer to the "General Laboratory
measurement. Measurements should be Introduction."
done by each lab partner. If your values
are different, calculate the block's volume Post lab Questions
using the average values of the length,
width, and height. Your results should 1. Assume you are given a population of
have the appropriate significant figures. the United States as 325,768, 935 people.
Since the number of significant figures
6. Measure the mass of the wooden (sig figs) is determined by the precision of
block with the Triple Beam balance. (zero a measurement, the number above
the balance before you start). Calculate the implies a precision that is not realistic.
density of the block using the volume The number above has too many sig figs.
from part 5.
You are to rewrite the population above
7. Using the Vernier calipers, measure (with correct number of sig figs) assuming
all the dimensions needed to calculate the the following percent uncertainties (i.e.,
volume of the metal object (without precision) of 0.1%, 1% & 10%,
holes). Each lab partner should make their respectively. Your 3 answers should be
own separate set of measurements. written in terms of absolute uncertainty
Calculate the volume of the object using (i.e., population ±δ population ).
the average values if measurements are Absolute uncertainty should be rounded to
different. one sig fig. SHOW ALL WORK.

8. Measure the mass of the metal object 2. Based upon the density values found
with the Triple Beam balance. Use this in a table of element properties, from what
value and the volume obtained in part 7 to material is the metal object made?
calculate the object's density. Be sure to Calculate the percentage error of your
record this density in your notebook density from the standard density. What
because it will be needed for one of the could be responsible for the discrepancy?
questions.
3. Assume you measured the mass of a cell
phone to be 201g. Determine the weight of
Determination of p the cell phone in both newtons and
pounds. Assume the acceleration of
9. Using the Vernier caliper measure the gravity is 9.80 m/s/s. What are the
diameter D, in centimeters, of each of the weight(s) of the cell phone on the moon?
five circular objects. What is the mass of the cell phone on the
moon? Show all work.
10. Using the ruler measure the
circumference C, in centimeters, of each
Question 4 is on next page.
Notes on Propagation of Uncertainties

“Most physical quantities cannot be

measured in a single direct measurement
but are instead found in two distinct steps.
First, measure one or more quantities….
Second,… use measured quantities to
calculate the quantity of interest….
When a measurement involves these two
steps, the estimation of uncertainties also
involves two steps. First we must estimate
the uncertainties in the quantities directly
measured and then determine how these
uncertainties “propagate” through the
calculations to produce an uncertainty
in the final answer.”

Notes above taken from An Introduction

of Error Analysis, 2nd Edition, by John
Taylor

4. Using page A-6 through A-9 of on-

line Appendix complete the following
exercise on uncertainty propagation.

The true measurements of the calibration

blocks pictured below are as follows:

2.540 ± 0.005cm , 5.080 ± 0.005cm &

7.620 ± 0.005cm

Using the dimensions above, determine

both the perimeter and area and their
uncertainties of the one side of the block
indicated by the arrow. Be sure and show
all uncertainty calculations. Answers
should be given in both absolute & Percent
uncertainty.