CHEM1151K – Lab 02

Units, Measurements, and Significant Figures

Learning Objectives
 Measure and report mass, length and volume of objects with correct
significant figures
 Perform calculations with the correct number of significant figures
 Explore the importance of measurements in healthcare
 Determine medication dosage and related problems based on measurements
 Determine the real life impact of error in measurements and calculations
 Recognize the type of function of different glassware used for measurements

Laboratory Skill
 Practice using and reading an electronic balance
 Practice using and reading measurements in graduated cylinder
 Practice using and reading a metric and inch ruler
 Practice using and reading measurements in burets and beakers

Equipment and Materials

 Meter stick, metric ruler (hundredths and tenths) and inch ruler
 Solid rectangular metal pieces for dimensions measurements
 Distilled water
 250-mL beaker, 250-mL Erlenmeyer flask, and a 50-mL graduated

Safety and Hazard Information

n/a

Background Information
Measurements are central to the development of experiments and scientific
theories. Measurements are critical to the chemical, farming, engineering, and
health care industries. For example, hospital diagnosis and medication
administration are solely based on vital signs or precise measurement of key health
parameters (weight, height, body temperature, blood pressure). In measurements,
devices are used to determine properties/quantities of an object by comparing them
to a standard. In science and clinical settings, the metric unit system is the most
common system of measurement. Unfortunately, measurements are never 100%
precise or accurate, leading to uncertainty or errors associated with the
measuring device, process, or person doing the measurement. The appropriate
number of digits reported in measurements is called significant figures and
describes this uncertainty in measurements. The relation between error and the
appropriate number of significant figures (digits) recorded for each laboratory
instrument or glassware used will be explored in these laboratory exercises.

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Units of Measurement
You may be more familiar with measurements like 40 yards, 98°F and 25 lbs
because these units are common in the US system of measurements. The metric
system of units is common to chemistry and other sciences (Table A).

Table A: Sample unit of measurements, unit abbreviations and tools used to carry
out measurements

Measureme Metric Unit SI Unit US system of Measuring

nt Units Device
Length Meter (m), Meter (m) Mile (mi), yard Ruler
centimeter (cm) (yd)
Volume Liters (L), milliliters Cubic Gallon (gal), cup Graduated
(mL) meter (m3) cylinder
Mass Grams (g) Kilogram Pound (lbs) Scale/
(kg) Balance
Temperatur Degree Celsius (C) Kelvin (K) Degree Thermomet
e Fahrenheit (F) er

Making Measurements and Significant Figures

All measured numbers have some degree of uncertainty. This uncertainty is
reflected in the appropriate number of significant figures reported. Significant
figures in any measurement are digits that are known with certainty, plus one
additional digit whose accuracy is uncertain (estimated).

Volume Measurements
Volume is the amount of space occupied by an object. In this section, you will learn
how to carefully make volume measurements. Many reactions in chemistry involve
transferring differing quantities of liquid solutions. It is therefore import to learn
about the appropriate glassware needed to measure volume of liquids, and how to
correctly read volume from the glassware (See Figure 01).

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Figure 01: Different types of glassware for measuring liquid volume.

How to use a graduated cylinder?

1. Look straight across at the graduated cylinder to avoid parallax error (Figure
02). Read the bottom of the meniscus (the curved surface of the solution).
2. Important note about significant digits: A 100 mL graduated cylinder has
marks at 1-mL intervals; therefore, you should estimate the volume to the
nearest 0.1 mL. This is done by dividing the space between the 1-mL marks
into ten imaginary spaces and deciding which of those spaces the meniscus
is closest to. It’s OK if you aren’t sure—use your best judgment. The last digit
of any measurement is supposed to be uncertain or an estimate or best
guessed number.
3. If the meniscus is exactly on a line, you still record the volume to the nearest
0.1 mL. For example, if it’s right on the 27-mL line, record the volume as
“27.0 mL” to show that you read it carefully and the margin of error is 0.1
mL. Remember, trailing zeros after the decimal point are significant.

Figure 02: Reading the graduated Cylinder.

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Length Measurements
Length measures how tall, wide, or long an object is, using a ruler or meter stick.
The diameter of the retina of an eye or height measurements can help doctors
determine underlying health problems. Length can be measured in centimeters,
meters, millimeters, miles, inches etc.

How to use a ruler or meter stick?

Use a metric ruler to measure the length of objects as shown in Figure 03. The
largest hash marks represent 1 cm lengths. The second largest marks represent 0.5
cm lengths. The smallest marks represent 0.1 cm or 1 mm lengths. This implies we
can confidently record measurements to the 0.1 cm and therefore our estimated
digit will be in the hundredth’s place (0.01 cm). The length of the rectangle using
this metric ruler is correctly recorded as 4.55 cm, but 4.54, 4.56 cm or 4.57 would
also be acceptable.

Figure 03: Using a ruler to measure the length of a rectangular object.

Similarly, use an inch ruler to measure the length of objects as shown in Figure 04.
The largest marks represent 1 inch lengths. The second largest marks represent 0.5
or 1/2 inch lengths. The third marks represent 1/4 or 3/4 inch lengths and the
smallest 1/8 or 7/8 inch lengths. For measurements in decimal places, use an
estimated digit in the hundredth’s place (0.01). The length of the candy using this
inch ruler is correctly recorded as 6 1/2 or 6.50 in.

Figure 04: Using an inch ruler to measure the length of a rectangular object.

Mass Measurements
Mass describes the amount of material (atoms, molecules, etc) an object contains.
Mass is measured in the lab using an electronic balance.

How to use an electronic balance?

1. Take your object to a balance.
2. Set a weigh boat on the pan of the balance.
3. Press the Tare button to zero the weigh boat.

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 4. Place your object in the weigh boat, read the mass and record in your report
sheet.
5. Record all of the digits including trailing zeros. For example, if your object
weighs 185.000 g and you write “185 g” it is wrong! Trailing zeros after the
decimal point are significant digits. “185 g” means the margin of error is ±1
g. That is to the ones place and your estimated digit is 5. “185.000 g” means
the margin of error is ±0.001 g. That is to the thousandth place and your
estimated digit is the last 0.
The balances we use are usually precise to 0.001 g (thousandth) so all masses
should be recorded to the third decimal place (Figure 05). Note that for large items
and glassware you do not need a weigh boat. Weigh boats are used to contain and
determine the mass of liquid or solid chemicals.

Figure 05: Mass Balance or Analytical Balance

Significant Figures in Calculations

The results of a calculation involving measurements can only be as good as the
least accurate measurement used in the calculations. In other words, a chain is only
as strong as its weakest link. For example, imagine using the two rulers shown in
Figure 06 below to measure the length and width of a rectangular object. Length
and width are the parameters that are needed to determine area and perimeter of
the object. The number of significant figures in the final answer depends on both
the number of significant figures in the measurements and on the mathematical
operation.

Figure 06. Metric rulers with different precision used to measure length and width
of objects
The measurement of length with the ruler on the left will be recorded as 4.56 cm
and the width with ruler on the right as 3.0 cm.

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For addition and subtraction, your calculated value can only have the same
number of decimal places as the measurement with the fewest number of decimal
places.
Suppose you now want to calculate the perimeter: L+W+L+W. or 2 * (L+W)
You will first perform the calculation:
4.56 cm + 4.56 cm + 3.0 cm + 3.0 cm = 15.12 cm
Since the least precise measurement has only 1 place after the decimal, your
calculation must be cut off after the first position to the right of the decimal by
rounding down or up:
4.56 cm + 4.56 cm + 3.0 cm + 3.0 cm = 15.1 cm
For multiplication and division, the result of a calculation involving
measurements has the same number of significant figures as the measurement with
the fewest number of significant figures.
Suppose you now want to calculate the area: L*W
You will first perform the calculation:
4.56 cm * 3.0 cm = 13.68 cm2
Since 3.0 cm has only 2 significant figures as opposed to 3 significant figures for
4.56 cm, the result of the multiplication needs to be reported to only 2 significant
figures. Your calculation must be cut off after the 2 nd measured digit by rounding
down or up:
4.56 cm * 3.0 cm = 14 cm2

Experimental
A. Volume from Graduated Cylinder
Materials
10-mL Graduated Cylinder
50-mL Graduated Cylinder
100-mL graduated Cylinder
Procedure
1. Test your volume measurement skills by correctly estimating the volume of
three provided unknown liquids in the lab. Be sure to use the correct number
of significant figures. Record your data in Data Table 01.

B. Measuring Glassware Lengths

Materials
250-mL Beaker
250-mL Erlenmeyer flask
100-mL graduated cylinder

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Procedures
1. Measure the height of each piece of glassware in both cm and inches.
2. To ensure consistency use two meter stick, with one placed flat on the top of
the glassware and the other ruler perpendicular to obtain the height of the
object
3. For measurements in inches, convert the fractional part of the number into a
decimal and record the value in inches with 2 decimal places (Example: 8 ¼
inches becomes 8.25 inches).
4. Record all values in Data Table 02.
5. Immediately to the right of each measured value you record, write the
number of significant figures in that recorded value in the SF column.
6. For each pair of measurements, divide the Height in cm by the Height in
inches.
7. Complete all questions related to Data Table 02. Check all values to ensure
that you are including the correct number of significant figures.
8. In this section you will also measure the length of feet for three different
babies and then record in Data Table 03.
9. Use the foot length and mass graph to estimate the weight of the baby and
provide diagnosis of whether the baby is preterm or term.

C. Measuring Volume of a Solid

Materials
100-mL graduated cylinder
Solid rectangular object
Procedure
The volume of a solid object with a rectangular shape can be calculated by
measuring the dimensions of the object.
1. Measure the height (H), width (W), and length (L) of the solid rectangular
object in cm. Record your values with the correct number of SF.
2. Multiply L × W × H to find the volume of the solid. When you multiply these
values, you must multiply both the numbers and the units. Record your
answer.

The volume of a solid object with an irregular shape can be determined through
volume displacement.
1. Using a 100-mL graduated cylinder, fill the graduated cylinder to
approximately 50 mL with tap water and record the volume to the correct
number of significant figures.
2. Take the same metal object that you just measured for volume and carefully
place the object in the graduated cylinder.
3. Record the new volume of the water.
4. Based on the final volume of the water and the initial volume of the water,
calculate the volume of the object.

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D. Measuring Mass and Volume of Water with Beaker
Materials
50-mL beaker (n = 1)
Procedure
1. Measure the mass of the beaker and record the mass in the space above
Data Table 04.
2. Fill the beaker with 25 mL of tap water.
3. Read the measurement for the volume of water as accurately as possible and
record in Data Table 04.
4. Measure the total mass of the beaker with water.
5. Calculate the mass of water by subtracting the mass of the beaker from the
total mass (beaker + water).
6. Record the mass of water in Data Table 04.
7. Empty the water from the beaker in the sink.
8. Repeat steps 2-7 for a total of three trials.
9. Using the data you recorded in Data Table 04, calculate using Excel the
Mean and Standard Deviation Values (Refer to your Excel lab) for Mass for
each of the 3 trials for the Beaker. Record those values in Data Table 04.

E. Measuring Mass and Volume of Water with Graduated Cylinder

Materials
50-mL Graduated Cylinder (n = 1)
Procedure
1. Measure the mass of a 50-mL graduated cylinder and record the mass in the
space above Data Table 05.
2. Fill the graduated cylinder with 25 mL of tap water.
3. Read the measurement for the volume of water as accurately as possible and
record in Data Table 05.
4. Measure the total mass of the graduated cylinder with water.
5. Calculate the mass of water by subtracting the mass of the graduated
cylinder from the total mass (graduated cylinder + water).
6. Record the mass of water in Data Table 05.
7. Empty the water from the graduated cylinder in the sink.
8. Repeat steps 2-7 for a total of three trials.
9. Using the data you recorded in Data Table 05, calculate using Excel the
Mean and Standard Deviation Values (Refer to your Excel lab) for Mass for
each of the 3 trials for the graduated cylinder. Record those values in Data
Table 05.

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Experimental Report
Date: Name:
Section: Team:
Instructor:

A. Volume from Graduated Cylinder

Data Table 01
Sample Volume (mL)
1
2
3

B. Measuring Glassware

Data Table 02
Objects for Height S Height S S
cm / in
Practice (cm) F (in) F F
250-mL
Beaker
250-mL
Erlenmeyer
flask
100-mL
graduated
cylinder
Average

Once you have calculated the height ratio (cm/inches), calculate the average of the
three numbers (show all work).

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 1. Based on your calculated average, what is the conversion factor between
inches and cm?

1 in = __________ cm

2. In some areas of the world where birth weight scales are absent, neonatal
foot length is becoming the method of choice to diagnose preterm and low
birthweight infants (less than 2500 g) responsible for 80% of neonatal deaths
(Folger, Panchal, Eglovitch, Whelan, & Lee, 2020). A foot length mass data is
plotted in the graph below.

In this section you will measure the length of feet for three different babies
and then record in Data Table 03. Based on the length, use the foot length
and mass graph to estimate the weight of the baby and diagnosis (preterm or
term baby).

Data Table 03.

Samples Length Weight Diagnosis

1
2
3

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C. Measuring Volume of a Solid

Dimensions of Solid Rectangle

H= _______ cm
W = _______ cm
L= ________cm

Calculate the volume V1 using solid dimensions. Show all work.

V1 = ________

Calculate Volume of Solid Rectangle by Displacement

Initial Vol (Vi) in graduated cylinder = ______
Final Vol (Vf) in graduated cylinder = ______
Displacement volume = Vf – Vi = volume of Solid = V2 = ______

Compare V1 and V2. Were the results similar? What can you conclude about these
two methods of measuring volume based on the calculated volume values?

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D. Measuring Mass and Volume of Water with Beaker

Mass of Beaker _________ g

Data Table 04
Beaker Mass of water Volume (mL)
(g)
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Mean
Std. Dev.

E. Measuring Mass and Volume of Water with Graduated Cylinder

Mass of Graduated Cylinder _______ g

Data Table 05
Grad. Cyl. Mass of water Volume
(g) (mL)
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Mean
Std. Dev.

Based on the Mean and Standard Deviation Values for mass that you recorded in
Data Tables 04 and 05, do you think the beaker or the graduated cylinder
provides a more precise measure of volume? Explain your answer.

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Post Lab Questions
1. The dimensions of a rectangular object were obtained as shown below. Use the
data to determine the area of the rectangle. Make sure your final answer is
reported to the correct number of significant figures:

2. Record the length of the object correctly using each ruler

3. Estimate the volume of the object to the correct number of significant figures:

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4. You are asked to conduct an experiment where you will combine hydrochloric
acid and sodium hydroxide as an acid-base neutralization reaction. You begin by
placing 25.1 mL of hydrochloric acid in an empty beaker, and then add 24.46 mL
of sodium hydroxide solution using a buret, to complete the experiment. What is
the total volume of solution in the beaker at the end of the experiment?

5. Reflect on the importance of significant figures in measurements you have

explored in this lab. In you summary:
a. Briefly explain how you can use significant figures to address errors in
measurements.
b. Explain how you handle or account for significant figures in calculations
i. Addition and subtraction
ii. Multiplication and Division
c. Describe how the skills obtained in this lab can be useful for a student
pursuing a career in healthcare and provide some example scenarios.

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