Physics 11 Name:____________________________

Lab: Measurement and Uncertainty

Purpose:

1. To see how the precision of a measurement is dependent on the scale markings of

the instrument.

2. To make precise linear measurement and to use these measurements to compute

quantities derived from length.

3. To determine which digits in a measured value and a calculated value are certain
and which one is uncertain.

Helpful Information:

o Examine the four-sided metre stick and note that one side is unmarked, another is
divided into ten parts, another is divided into 100 equal parts, and the last side is
divided into 1000 equal parts.
o Area of a rectangle: A = l x w

Procedure:

1. Measure the length of one of the short laboratory tables using the unmarked side
of the meter stick.
o It will be difficult to be accurate—just make the best ‘guess’ that you can.
o Record your measurement in the data table below to the nearest tenth of a
metre.

2. Measure the width of the tabletop in the same manner, and record your results.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 using the other three sides of the metre stick.

4. For each measurement with each ruler, underline the “certain digits” (ie. the ones
for which there is a marking on the ruler) and circle the “uncertain digit” (ie. the
one that you had to estimate).
Data: record your measurements in metres (and not centimeters, light-years etc).
Unmarked Side 10 Divisions 100 Divisions 1000 Divisions

Length (m)

Width (m)

Calculations:

Show all calculations on the following page.

1. Using your measured values, calculate the length + width and the area of the
tabletop. These calculations must be done by hand—no calculators.
o You will have an answer for each side of the meter stick. Keep track of when
an uncertain digit is added to/multiplied by any other digit. The resulting
digit is now uncertain and must be circled.
o Only certain digits added/multiplied by certain digits are certain and should be
underlined.
o Remember that in any measured value, there will only be one uncertain digit.

Length + Width (m) Area (m2)

Unmarked Side

10 Divisions

100 Divisions

1000 Divisions
Calculations:
Conclusion:

Based on your findings in this investigation, explain the importance of significant figures
when measuring values:

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State the rule for significant figures when adding/subtracting:

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State the rule for significant figures when multiplying/dividing:

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