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Physics - Laboratory Activity 1
Physics - Laboratory Activity 1
Measure the length, width, or diameter of three “small” household objects, for example:
screw, paperclip, pencil, bottle cap, toothpick, etc. Note that we assume that the caliper is
not calibrated so the measurements are not accurate. Take a photo (screenshot) of the
reading and express in meters (m) and in scientific notation.
2. With a ruler or tape measure, measure the length, width, or diameter of the three
household objects. Also express the measurements in meters and in scientific notation.
Then with your measurements with the online Vernier Caliper in part 1., compute for the
percent error:
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟= |𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙− 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒|𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒∗ 100%
In this case, the reference would be the one using the ruler or tape measure.
a. Eraser
Vernier Caliper = 0.0411
Tape Measure = 0.06
|0.0411−0.06|
Percent Error= ×100 %=31.5 %
0.06
b. Medicine Organizer
Vernier Caliper = 0.0531
Tape Measure = 0.073
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3. Take any book in your house then measure its volume using a ruler or tape measure. Take
photos of the reading of its length, width, and height. Estimate its weight in grams. If you
have a weighing scale (bathroom or kitchen) at home, measure its weight. With the
weight and the volume, compute for the average density of the book in kilograms per
cubic meter (kg/m3) and express in scientific notation. Lastly, convert to pounds per cubic
inch (lbs/in3).
Book:
Length: 10 inch volume = L x W x H grams → kilograms
Width: 8 inch 10 in x 8 in x 1 in = 80 in3 1 kg
981 g × =0.981 kg
Height: 1 inch cubic inch → cubic meters 1000 g
Weight: 981 grams 3 1.6387 ×10−5 m 3
80 ¿ ×
1 ¿3
¿ 1.311×10−3 m 3
mass 0.981 kg
density = →
volume 1.311 ×10−3 m 3
kg kg
¿ 748.28 3
→ 7.4828× 102 3
m m
kg lb
→
m3 ¿3
lb
3.6127 ×10−5
2 kg ¿3
7.4828 ×10 ×
m3 1
kg
m3
lb lb
¿ 0.02703 3
→ 2.703 ×102 3
¿ ¿
**Note:
>Please use this link on the Lab Activity I to measure a small household objects.
>Part I: 1.) & 2.) are optional to answer since they depend if you have these items, but this is
HIGHLY ENCOURAGE to even try. If not, note this down on your assignment and state the
reason why you were not able to answer. Don’t worry, I don’t bite. 😊
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Part II. (Inquiries)
Answer the following with at most 3 sentences.
1. In part I., number 1., we mentioned that we assume that the caliper is not
calibrated? Define Calibration in your own words. Why do you think calibration is
important?
Calibration is a tool to measure the two objects and make a comparison of them.
The importance of calibration is that it gives accuracy and quality of measurements. It
minimizes any doubt while measuring the two objects as it controls the error in measuring
the objects.
2. What do you think are the advantages of a caliper over a ruler or tape measure?
Here, we’re talking about a real caliper.
The advantages of the caliper are: (1) when measuring a large range of materials,
it gives accurate and precise measurements; (2) most of the calipers (i.e., vernier calipers)
are made out of stainless steel, wherein it is a sturdy material and can be last a lifetime.
Unlike some of the ruler and tape measure is made out of plastic; (3) it allows measuring
the dimensions of the objects.
3. In part I., number 2., we computed for the percent error. In the case of real-world
experiments, can we attain 0% error? Give two examples of possible sources of
error.
No, because in real-world experiments, there are errors that are experienced by the
experimenters even if they do not want to encounter it or have a preparation ahead of
time; errors are bound to happen. As various types of errors may happen during the
experiments, I will give only two (2) examples of the type of error. The first type of error
is the random error, wherein errors are happened by chance. The cause of the error is
unknown and unpredictable changes that occurred during the experiment. These changes
may happen because of the instruments that are used to measure or in environmental
conditions. No one can predict when will this random error happens. One example of
random error is when the rate of heat loss from solar collectors has irregular changes
because of the changes in the wind. The second type of error is the systematic error,
wherein the errors occurred from the instruments used to measure. Systematic error may
occur because there are limitations of the devices used by the experimenter or restrictions
in the procedure. It may also happen because the experimenter did not use the instrument
correctly. One example of systematic error is when there are errors in the temperature
measurements because of the poor thermal contact between the thermometer and the
substance whose temperature is to be determined.
4. In part I., number 3., we mentioned “average density”. What does “average density”
mean. Basically, explain why we have to use “average density” instead of regular
density.
Density is the ratio of mass to volume. It is a measurement that tells whether the
material or an object is compact. The average density is the equal of an object in its total
mass divided by its total volume. The word “average density” is used because there are
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objects that are not materially uniform. The average density tells whether it will float or
sink.
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Part III.
1. What are the parts of a Vernier caliper? Give the function/s of each part.
2. What are the parts of a micrometer caliper? Give the function/s of each part.
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3. Enumerate the advantages and disadvantages of a Vernier caliper.
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