Group #: Date: May 5, 2022

Course, Yr, Section: BSCE-1B Subject: Physics for Engineers Lab

Pre-Laboratory Sheet #1

Measurement

[Materials]

Solid objects having different sizes and shapes, meterstick, vernier caliper, triple beam balance

[Theory]

Physics as a science involves measurement. By measurement is meant comparison with a

standard. In “System Internationale” (SI), the standard used for measuring length is the “metre”
(meter). As a beginner in Physics, a student should acquire skills in accurate measurement at the very
outset because a lot of measurements will be done during laboratory activities. For that reason, some
of the fundamental techniques of having accuracy in measurement should become a habit.

1. When measurements are being made with the meterstick, the scale should be placed edgewise on
the object to be measured so that the graduated edge of the meterstick comes in contact with the
object to be measured.

2. The eye of the observer should always be placed at the same level as, or in line with, the point on
the scale which is to be read. See figures 1 and 2 on the next page.

3. Since the ends of the meterstick are likely to become worn, it is best to begin measurement by
sliding the rule over an even number of centimeter. To ease up calculation, it is advisable to begin all
measurements at the 10 – cm mark.

4. Regardless of the measuring instrument used, the reading has to be estimated to the nearest tenths
of the smallest scale division.
[PROCEDURE]

[CONCLUSION]
 We conclude in the experiment that although a ruler is much easier to use for measuring the dimensions of solid
objects, and you need to be more careful in reading the vernier caliper, still vernier caliper is more accurate to use.

To compute the density more accurately, one should be careful in readings the measurement because the mass
density will depend on mass and volume.