Mathematics and Physical Sciences Department

PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS 1 LABORATORY ACTIVITY 1

MEASUREMENTS, SIGNIFICANT FIGURES AND ERROR

I. ACTIVITY LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the activity, you should be able:

a. To measure length using the following: ruler, vernier caliper and micrometer caliper.
b. To determine the limit of accuracy of the different measuring devices.
c. To differentiate precision of measurements and accuracy of measurements.
d. To apply some elementary quantitative tools to evaluate measured quantities

II. MATERIALS
1 Ruler
1 Vernier caliper
1 Micrometer caliper
1 Balance beam
1 Marble
1 Hollow plastic cylinder

III. INTRODUCTION
A. The Vernier Caliper

Legend:

1. Lower Jaw - measures outer dimensions

2. Upper Jaw - measures inner dimensions
3. Blade - measures depth
4. Main Scale (in centimeter unit) - the fixed scale
5. Main Scale (in inches unit) - the fixed scale
6. Vernier Scale (centimeter unit) - the sliding scale or the movable scale
7. Vernier Scale (inches unit) - the sliding scale or the movable scale
8. Knurled Wheel - sliding jaw

B. The Micrometer Caliper

Activity 01 _ Measurement, Significant Figures and ErrorsPage 1

IV. PROCEDURE

Part I Getting the Measurements

Remark: Record the measured and computed quantities with the correct number of significant
digits.

1. Using a vernier caliper or micrometer caliper (whichever is applicable), make three

observations of the dimensions of the plastic cylinder and marble respectively. Record
measured values to Table 1.1.

2. Calculate the arithmetic mean ( x ), average deviation ( d ), standard deviation (σ), and best
-observed value (B.O.V.) for each observation. For this experiment, use the following
formula:

Mean:
∑x
n

sum of readings i
x = = i
number of readings n

Absolute deviation:

| |
di = x -xi , where x is the mean and xi is the measurement

e.g.

| |
di = D out-D(out) i , where D(out) i is the measured outside diameter

Average deviation:

∑d
n

i
d = i

Standard deviation:

σ= d
n
Best observed value:

BOV = x ± σ

3. Record the calculated values in Table 1.1.

Part II Deriving Quantities (Volume and Density)

1. Using the beam balance, determine the mass of the hollow cylinder. Record this value to
Table 1.2.
2. From Table 1.1, copy the arithmetic mean diameter ( x ) values and arithmetic mean height
values for this cylinder.
3. Compute for the volume of the material that made up the hollow cylinder. Use the
Activity 01 _ Measurement, Significant Figures and ErrorsPage 2
 following formula to solve for this property:

Activity 01 _ Measurement, Significant Figures and ErrorsPage 3

 π (D ).H
2 2

out - D in
Vcylinder = Across ∙ height =
4

4. Using the formula that defines density, compute for the experimental density.

mass of the object m

ρ = =
volume of the object V

5. Compare this experimental density to the theoretical density provided in Table 1.2.
Compute for the percentage error using the following formula:

% Error, =
|
Theoretical Value-Experimental Value
Theoretical Value
×100 %
|
6. Record all values to Table 1.2.
7. Determine the mass of the marble using the beam balance. Compute for the volume of the
marble and record to Table1.2.
4 π
V =V = πr3 = ∙ D3
marble sphere 3 6

8. Compute for the density using the above formula, and the percentage error. Record all
values to Table 1.2.

V. DATA AND RESULTS

TABLE 1.1 Measurements

(Hollow Plastic Cylinder) (Marble)
Using
Using Ruler Using Vernier Caliper Micrometer
TRIAL
Caliper
Diameter D (cm) Height Diameter D (cm) Height Diameter D
Outside Inside H (cm) Outside Inside H (cm) (cm)
1
2
3
Arithmetic mean ,
x
d1
Absolute d2
Deviation
d3
∑d

d
σ
+
BOV
--

TABLE 1.2 Derived Quantities and Percentage Error

(Hollow Plastic Cylinder) (Marble)
Ruler Vernier Caliper Micrometer Caliper
Mass m, g

Mean inside diameter D in, cm

Activity 01 _ Measurement, Significant Figures and ErrorsPage 4

Mean outside diameter D out ,
cm
Mean height H , cm
V Volume, cm3
Experimental
Density ρ, g/cm3
Theoretical 1.33 2.56
% error

VI. GUIDE QUESTIONS FOR ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

1. What is the significance of computing the absolute deviation in the experiment done?
2. Differentiate the advantages of using the ruler, micrometer caliper and the vernier caliper.
3. Explain the difference of accuracy from precision.
4. Did you encounter any difficulty in using the measuring instruments? Why?
5. What can you say about the values that you have computed for part A and the percentage
errors that you got for part B? How do these tools help you evaluate your data?

VII. CREDITS
Created by: Laboratory Committee
Version: 1.0
Modified: October 2018

VIII. REFERENCES

1. Becker, Jurgen and Prof. H.J. Jodi. University Physics Experiments for Scientists and
Engineers, 1992. C & E Publishing, Inc.
2. Catchillar, Gerry C. (2004). College Physics Laboratory Manual, Mandaluyong City, National
Bookstore. Leybold Didactic GmbH.
3. Quiambao, Raquel and Floresta, Ma. Lourdes. (2004). Physics Laboratory Manual for
Health Sciences. Quezon City.
4. Rebollos, Felizardo, et al. (1987). College Physics Manual. Quezon City, National
Bookstore.

Activity 01 _ Measurement, Significant Figures and ErrorsPage 5