Southern Luzon State University

Lucban, Quezon
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Department

Experiment No. 1
MEASUREMENT AND UNITS

GROUP 3
BSME 1-GM
Cid, Sean Miguel Bryan
Lavado, John Allen
Manalo, Eljohn
Ortiz, Carla
Pajarillo, Dan Lemuel
Palambiano Jr., Rodolfo

January 29, 2020

I. OBJECTIVE
The objective of this experiment is to become familiar with the measurement of the
basic quantities of mechanics and to become familiar with the recording of experimental data
paying special attention to units and significant figures.

II. THEORY

Measurements may be made by unaided human senses, in which case they are often
called estimates, or more commonly, by the use of instruments, which may range in complexity
from simple rules for measuring lengths to highly sophisticated systems designed to detect and
measure quantities. According to “Britannica.com” measurement is the way of measuring an
object such as length, width, height etc. But, did the measurement always true? And how we use
numbers when measuring? In the late 18th century where measurement became a cohesive
system it is the time when the measurement was invented naturally. When making
measurements, it is important to be as accurate and precise as possible. Accuracy is a measure of
how close an experimental measurement is to the true, accepted value. Precision refers to how
close repeated measurements (using the same device) are to each other. The measuring devices
used in this lab may have different scale graduations than the ones shown but it is need to use it
for their respective purpose. According to Carl Friedrich Gauss the first person to study the
round-off error and its effects on computation. He was the first to look at how limiting the
number of significant figures affect the computation especially when measuring. In this
experiment, significant figures also play an important role because according to gauss the results
of calculations performed by the aid of these numbers can only be approximately true. Other than
that, units also play an important role in this experiment. Because in physics a number without a
unit is nothing or just a number. It is important to use proper units in measurement because it can
be so meaningful. For example, a student says that the length of the lab table is 33. without a unit
33 is nothing. We cannot determine how long or short that 32. But if 32 becomes 32 inches then
the calculations will be accurate and easy to understand. According to Boslaugh (2010)
Measurements of physical quantities are expressed in terms of units, which are standardized
values. For example, the length of a race, which is a physical quantity, can be expressed in units
of meters (for sprinters) or kilometers (for distance runners). Without standardized units, it
would be extremely difficult for scientists to express and compare measured values in a
meaningful way. Therefore, unit is very much important especially when measuring.
Measurement and units will never be apart because you can’t measure a thing without a unit.

III. APPARATUS

Procedure (1): Lab Table Set-up

Lab Table

Meter Stick

Measuring the Dimension of Lab Table

Procedure (2) Rectangular Block Set-

up

Rectangular
Rectangular
Block
Block

Triple Beam
Ruler
Balance

Measuring the Dimensions of Measuring the Mass of

Rectangular Block Rectangular Block
 Procedure (3): Cylindrical Block Set-up

Cylindrical Block
Cylindrical Block

Vernier Caliper

Triple Beam
Balance

Measuring the Dimensions of Measuring the Mass of

Cylindrical Block Cylindrical Block

Procedure (4):
Time Measurement Set-up

String
(1.000m)

Pendulum
Stand

Pendulum
bob

Set-up of Pendulum with 1.000 m string at 20 degrees in angle

IV. PROCEDURE

Procedure (1): Lab Table

Before calculating the dimensions of the lab table, the least count of the meter stick was
determined. Next, using a meter stick the length and the width of the lab table were measured
and recorded in centimeters (cm), meters (m) and millimeters (mm). Then, scientific notation
was used in the data calculated larger thanb1000. Lastly, the area of the table top was calculated
in m2, cm2 and m m2 .

Procedure (2): Rectangular Block

Before doing the calculation, the least count of the ruler was determined. Then, using a
ruler, the dimensions (length, width and height) of the rectangular block were measured in
centimeters and recorded in the data table. After that, all the dimensions recorded was converted
to meters (m) and millimeters (mm). Next, using a triple beam balance, the mass of the
rectangular block was measured and recorded in grams (g) and was converted in kilograms (kg).
Then, the surface area of the block was measured in m 2, cm2 and m m2 . After that, the volume of
the block was also calculated in m3, cm3 and m m3 . Then finally, using the measured mass and
calculated volume of the rectangular block, the density of the block was calculated. Then the
experimental density and the actual density of the block were compared by calculating the
percentage error of the experiment.

Procedure (3): Cylindrical Block

Before measuring the dimensions of the cylindrical block, the least count of the Vernier
caliper was determined. Then, using the Vernier Caliper the diameter and the height of the
cylindrical block were measured and recorded in centimeters (cm), millimeters (mm), and in
meters (m). After that, the mass of the block was measured in grams using a triple beam balance
and converted it in kilograms (kg). Next, the surface area and the volume of the cylindrical block
were calculated, then the results of the calculation were expressed with proper units. After that,
using the measured mass and calculated volume of the cylindrical block, the density of the block
was calculated and finally, the percentage error was calculated and the experimental and the
actual density of the block were compared.

Procedure (4): Time Measurement

Before starting this part of the experiment, a pendulum was made where the length of its
string is about 1.000 m. Then, its bob was pulled to the side with the vertical angle of 20 degrees.
Using a digital stop watch, the time it takes the pendulum to make 10 oscillations was recorded
in the data table. After that, the procedure was repeatedb3btimes. Next, the period of the
pendulum was calculated by dividing the total time (t) to complete 10 oscillations of the
pendulum by the total number of its completed oscillations. After that, the average of the period
was also calculated. Lastly, the calculated period in each trial to the average of the period was
compared by calculating the percentage error.

V. DATA AND RESULTS

Data Table 1.1a Length and Width of Laboratory Table

Least count of meter stick = 0.5 cm
Millimeters
Measurements/Units Meters (m) Centimeters (cm)
(mm)
Length 3.000 300.0 3.000 x103
Width 1.205 120.5 1.205x103

Data Table 1.1b Surface Area of Laboratory Table

Measurements/Units m2 cm2 mm2
Surface Area 3.615 3.615 x104 3.615 x106

Data Table 1.2a Dimensions of Rectangular Block

Least count of ruler = 0.1 cm Mass of rectangular block = 143.0g = 0.1430kg
Millimeters
Measurements/Units Meters (m) Centimeters (cm)
(mm)
Length 0.050 5.0 50
Width 0.025 2.5 25
Height 0.012 1.2 12

Data Table 1.2b Surface Area of Rectangular Block

Measurements/Units m2 cm2 mm2
Surface Area 1.2 x10-3 12 1.2 x103

Data Table 1.2c Volume of Rectangular Block

Measurements/Units m3 cm3 mm3
Volume 1.5 x10-5 15 1.5 x104
Data Table 1.2d Density of Rectangular Block
Type of material of rectangular block = Copper
Measurements/Units kg/m3 g/cm3
Density (experimental) 9.5 x103 9.5
Density (actual) 8960 8.96
Percentage Error 6.4 6.4

Data Table 1.3a Dimensions of Cylindrical Block

Least count of Vernier caliper = 0.005 cm Mass of block = 148.9 g = 0.1489 kg
Millimeters
Measurements/Units Meters (m) Centimeters (cm)
(mm)
Diameter 0.02530 2.530 25.30
Height 0.03785 3.785 37.85

Data Table 1.3b Surface Area of Cylindrical Block

Measurements/Units m2 cm2 mm2
Surface Area 5.027 x10-4 5.027 50.27

Data Table 1.3c Volume of Cylindrical Block

Measurements/Units m3 cm3 mm3
Volume 1.903 x10-5 19.03 1.903 x104

Data Table 1.2d Density of Cylindrical Block

Type of material of rectangular block = Iron
Measurements/Units kg/m3 g/cm3
Density (experimental) 7.825 x103 7.825
Density (actual) 7.874 x103 7.874
Percentage Error 0.6192 0.6192
Data Table 1.3 Period of Pendulum
Percentage
Trial Total time (s) Period (s)
Difference
1 20.93 2.093 0.1276%
2 20.82 2.082 0.3987%
3 20.96 2.096 0.2711%
Average 2.090 0.2658%

VI. CALCULATIONS

Surface Area of Laboratory Table Volume of Rectangular Block

A=lxw V=lxwxh
= 300.0 cm x 120.5 cm = 5.0 cm x 2.5 cm x 1.2 cm
A = 3.615 x 104 cm2 V = 15 cm3

Density of Rectangular Block Percentage Error

(experimental)
m
ρ= %E
v
Experimental Value - Actual Value
¿ × 100
Actual Value
g g
9.5 3 - 8.96 3
143.0 g cm cm
= = ×100
1.5 cm 3 g
8.96 3
cm
ρ = 9.5 g/cm3 %E = 6.4%

Surface Area of Cylindrical Block Volume of Cylindrical Block

A = π r2 V = π r2 h

= π (1.265cm)2 = π ( 1.265cm )2 (3.785cm)

A = 5.027 cm2 V = 19.03 cm3

Period of Pendulum Percentage Difference

T 1 + T 2 + T3 Observed Value - Mean Value

Tave = %Diff = ×100
n Mean Value
2.093 s+ 2.082 s+2.096 2.093s-2.090s
= = ×100
3 2.090s
= 2.090s = 0.1276 %
tT
T=
N
20.903
=
10
Tave = 2.0903s

VII. DISCUSSION

This experiment was task to become familiar with the measurement of basic quantities,
how to use different measuring devices and to learn how to use appropriate significant figures
and units. In the gathered result of the experiment. Data table 1.1a was obtained by using a meter
stick to measure the dimensions of the lab table which has the length of 300.0cm / 3.000m /
3.000x103mm and a width of 120.5cm / 1.205m / 1.205x103mm. Data table 1.1b was obtained by
calculating the surface area of laboratory table. This was done by using the formula of length x
width. From the calculations, the students calculated the surface area 3.615x104 cm / 3.165m /
3.165x106 mm. Data table 1.2a was obtained by using a Vernier Caliper to measure the
dimensions of a rectangular block. Having a mass of 143.0g / 0.1430 kg. A length of 5.0cm /
0.050m / 50mm, width of 2.5cm / 0.025m / 25mm, and a height of 1.2cm / 0.012m / 12mm. Data
table 1.2b was obtained by calculating the surface area of the rectangular block. Having a
formula of length x width. Calculating its surface area, it gives a value of 12cm 2/ 1.2x10m−3 m 2 /
1.2x103mm. Data table 1.2c was obtained by calculating the volume of the rectangular block.
This was done by using the formula of length x width x height. From the calculation of the
students, it gives a volume of 15cm3/ 1.5x10−3 m3 / 1.5x10−3 mm. Data table 1.2d was obtained by
getting the density of the rectangular block then getting the percentage error between the actual
value and the experimental value. This was done by using the formula of p=m/v and %E =
[(Experimental Value - Actual Value)/Actual Value] x 100. Calculating the density of
rectangular block and the percentage error of the experiment, students were to arrive at density
value of 9.5g/cm3 / 9.5x103kg/m 2 and percentage error of 6.4%. Data table 1.3 a was obtained by
using a vernier caliper to measure the dimensions of cylindrical block. Having a mass of 148.9g /
0.1489kg, a diameter of 2.530cm / 0.02530m / 25.30mm, a height of 3.785cm / 0.03785m /
37.85mm. Data table 1.3b was obtained by calculating the surface area of the cylindrical block.
Having a formula of πr 2. Calculating its surface area, it gives a value of 5.0272cm2 / 5.027x
10−4 m2 / 50.27mm2. Data table 1.3c was obtained by calculating the volume of the cylindrical
block. This was done by using the formula of πr 2h. From the calculation of the students, it gives
a volume of 19.03cm3/ 1.903x10−3 m3/ 1.9013x104 m m3. Data table 1.3d was obtained by getting
the density of the cylindrical block then getting the percentage error between the actual value and
the experimental value. This was done by using the formula of p=m/v and %E= [(Experimental
Value - Actual Value)/Actual Value] x 100. Calculating the density of cylindrical block and the
percentage error of the experiment, students were to arrive at density value of 7.825g/cm3/
7.825x103kg/m3 and percentage error of 0.6192% Lastly, Table 1.3 Period of pendulum was
obtained using different formulas involving the average time and percentage error and it shows
that table 1.3 calculations has a time average of 2.090s and period of 2.0903s and it has a
0.12764% of mean percentage error. Based on the experiment, it can conclude that all the
measurements are accurate because of the low percentage error per table, but obviously, there are
some part of the experiment where the data caused a lot of percentage error but take not that a
large percentage error can sometimes be unavoidable because of measurement system and
human error. Some measurement devices may not be calibrated which cause errors. Another
factor of large percentage error is the interpretation of the measurement. Based on the
experiment measuring is not always accurate because of some errors take note that error is
unavoidable but it can be minimized.

VIII.CONCLUSION

In this experiment, the only thing that is needed to consider is all the measurement that
was obtained using such tools. We may get the right value or not in the way how we use the
instruments. Among the tables were listed their measurements and through that, we can get the
percentage error of those. In the calculations of the rectangular block, it has a 6.4% of error. The
cylindrical block has a 0.6192% of error and the period of pendulum has a 0.27% percent errors.
This value is those of how far or near the calculations was to the accurate one. Having these
values are somehow near or relatively the same as the accurate one. Maybe these errors come
from the materials. Something that is not placed the right way. Or maybe those equipment’s that
does not work properly made the error. Another is on how you do the work or the environment
itself. We cannot prevent errors but we can make sure that we got the nearest value of the
accurate ones by using the instruments properly. Using those measuring instruments is not that
easy. You have to look for their exact measurement for you not to get lost of what the true value
is. A certain change even the smallest change in the calculation can change the answer and make
you far from the accurate ones. You have to learn how to use every instrument for you not to get
lost at measuring. It is a simple yet the best way to get the accurate value of every experiment
you are doing.

IX. REFERENCES

Augustyn, A., (2019, December) Measurement.

Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/technology/measurement

Huber, M., (2000) Who Came Up the Idea of Significant Digits? Stanford University:
Science History. Retrieved from https://madsci.org/post/archives/2000-
01/947992509.Sh.r.html
Lotha, G. (2019, May). Uncertainty Principle
Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/science/uncertainty-principle