LAB ACTIVITY I:

Part I. (Hands-on: Interactive learning)

1. Use the online Vernier caliper:
http://amrita.olabs.edu.in/?sub=1&brch=5&sim=16&cnt=4

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

Percent Error=¿ 0.0531−0.073∨ ¿ ×100 %=27.3 % ¿

0.073

c. Staple Wire Box

 Vernier Caliper = 0.0332
 Tape Measure = 0.058

Percent Error=¿ 0.0332−0.058∨ ¿ ×100 %=42.8 % ¿

0.058

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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.

Parts of the Vernier Caliper:

a. Upper Jaws – are attached in the upper portion of the vernier caliper; just like the
lower jaws, the one end of the jaws is fixed while the other jaws are movable; the
upper jaws of the vernier scale allows to measure the inside dimensions of hollow
objects.
b. Lower Jaws – are intended to hold objects firmly; one of the lower jaws is at the
main scale of the caliper that is fixed and attached, while the other one is at the
vernier scale of the caliper that is attached so that the jaw can be movable; the lower
jaws allows to measure the dimensions of the objects namely the length, width, or the
diameter.
c. Lock Screw – is used to fix the object at its position, and it allows the individual to
read accurate measurements once the object is set correctly at its place.
d. Thumb Screw – is located at the bottom part of the vernier scale; it allows the
individual who uses the vernier scale to hold the jaws easily and change the position
of the jaws and the depth rod while holding the object firmly.
e. Main Scale – it is the large scale of the vernier scale that runs along with its body;
depending on the type of unit that the main scale is built, the unit of the measurement
can be read as centimeters millimeters, or inches.
f. Vernier Scale – is small and attached to the main scale; it can be moved along the
main scale because the jaws are opened and close; the vernier scales give an accurate
measurement.
g. Depth Rod – it is located at the end of the main scale, and this can be used to measure
the depths of the holes or steps.

2. What are the parts of a micrometer caliper? Give the function/s of each part.

Parts of the Micrometer Caliper:

a. Anvil – is located at the far end of the c-frame and serves as a holding point to
measure the objects.
b. Spindle – it can be moved and has its connection with the ratchet as the user can
rotate the ratchet clockwise or counterclockwise; the user can adjust by sliding it
outward or inward when measuring the size of an object
c. Lock Nut – is used to keep the spindle in place so that the reading of the time can be
maintained for a long time.
d. C–Frame – it is the rigid part of the caliper that holds points for an object to be
measured.
e. Sleeve – this part of the micrometer caliper is used to display the readings in
millimeters.
f. Thimble – it is the part in which the measuring screw can be rotated, and these
screws cause the spindle and the thimble to move.
g. Ratchet – is a knurled thumb gripe that allows the user to rotate the spindle into its
direction for measuring; it also prevents the ratchet from overtight the micrometer
while measuring the object, and it also ensures an equal pressure force in each
measurement.

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3. Enumerate the advantages and disadvantages of a Vernier caliper.

Advantages of the Vernier Caliper:

 The vernier caliper allows to have an precise and accurate measurements of the
dimensions, such as the inner, outer, depth dimensions of the objects that is
geometrical.
 The vernier caliper is made of pure stainless steel, because of its strength and its
material, it can last long for a life time.

Disadvantages of the Vernier Caliper:

 Individuals who were using the vernier caliper must have a good vision because it
might get quite difficult to ready properly the measurements of the vernier caliper
and it can results to having a incorrect measurements.
 There are individuals who does not know how to use the vernier caliper. Thus,
when they before they use the vernier caliper, they must make an effort to learn
how to read the vernier caliper.
 While the individual’s is using the vernier caliper, they might end up committing
an error in measurements.

4. Enumerate the advantages and disadvantages of a micrometer caliper.

Advantages of the Micrometer Caliper:

 The micrometer caliper provides an accurate measurements.
 One part of the micrometer caliper, ratchet, helps to provide reliable
measurements because it ensures that there is a applied pressure in the thimble to
make the measurements reliable and repeatable.
 Because there is sleeve and thimble in the micrometer caliper, other measurement
tools, such as ruler or tape measure is not required to measure objects.

Disadvantages of the Micrometer Caliper:

 There is a range limit when measuring an object because the micrometer caliper
only rangers 25 mm (metric) and 1” (imperial).
 As the micrometer caliper is only able to execute one single measurement task, the
users will be needing a different types of caliper to measure tasks.

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