IGCSE Physics Measurement Lab

Title: Investigating the accuracy of methods of measuring and the units they are recorded in

Purpose: What do you think we are trying to find by doing this comparison/ experiment?

Hypothesis/ Prediction: What do you think will be the result of our comparison?

Materials Method:

Rulers 1. Measure objects first with rulers and using previous knowledge
Tape measurer 2. Discuss which of the objects were easy and which objects were difficult to
accurately measure
Rocks 3. Understand how to use Vernier Calipers and macro meter screw
Metal cuboid 4. Re-measure the last five objects and compare the results
Pieces of string 5. Identify times when a good reaction time is crucial
Beakers of various small 6. Record their reaction time when one student drops a ruler in between another
sizes students fingers
Coin
Vernier Callipers
Micrometer screw

Data/Observations:

Table1: Measurements

Object First measurement Second measurement

Friends height

Length of pen

Diameter of a coin

Thickness of a piece of paper

Width of string

Volume of metal cube

Volume of a rock
Table 2: Human Reaction Time

Attempt 1 2 3 4 5

Distance

Results:

1. Was there any difference between the two measurements?

2. What could have caused the difference?
3. Using the skills learnt identify the correct reading of the following diagrams

a.

b.

c.

d.
4. Identify the actual reading of length of Fig 1.2 if Fig1.1 is the zero error when the jaws are closed.

5. What is the diameter of the object in Fig (ii) is Fig (i) is the zero error reading when the screw gauge is closed

6. Mr Fidler needs to ensure he has the right amount of metal for the diameter and length pipe for his new car
exhaust. Which instruments would he use to take measurements to calculate accurately the volume of metal
in his new exhaust?
7. Give the name of the instrument most suitable for measuring
a. The diameter of a wire
b. The volume of a small stone
c. The diameter of a soft drinks can
8. Name two circumstances where a good reaction time could save your life
 9. Did your reaction time improve improve with each try? If it did why do you think this was the case?

Discussion/ Conclusion: Did your findings support you hypothesis or disprove them? What could have been a limiting
factor/ uncontrolled variable? Any improvements which can be found? How can these findings be used by the
community?