MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES

1. When students are carrying out science practicals, they are encouraged to be both
precise and accurate. Distinguish between the terms, ‘precise’ and ‘accurate’. [2]

During a science practical, students were asked to measure the diameter of a test tube using a
vernier calliper. Table 1 shows the results of three students, Jane, John and Mary.
Table 1: Diameter results from the three students.
Name Diameter of test tube
d1/cm d2/cm d3/cm d4/cm
Jane 1.29 1.30 1.30 1.29
John 1.26 1.25 1.25 1.24
Mary 1.22 1.22 1.21 1.21

(b) If the true value of the diameter of the test tube is 1.25 cm, which set of results could
have systematic error and which set could have only random error? [2]

(c) With reference to your definitions of precision and accuracy, comment on the sets of
results obtained by the three students [4]

(d) What might have resulted Mary’s results to be what they are? [1]

(e) From John’s results, the diameter of the test tube is (1.25 ± 0.01) cm. Calculate the
cross-sectional area of the tube with its uncertainty [4]

(f) Why is it encouraged to take a set of measurements for the diameter, and then use the
average diameter for calculations? [1]

(g) In another experiment performed, the radius of a solid sphere was measured to be
(6.5 ± 0.2) cm, and its mass was measured to be (1.85 ± 0.02) kg. Determine the
density of the sphere in kilograms per cubic meter and its uncertainty. The volume of
4 3
a sphere, V = π r [7]
3

2. The mass of a cube of aluminium is found to be 580 g with an uncertainty in the

measurement of 10 g. Each side of the cube has a length of (6.0 ± 0.1) cm. Calculate the
density of aluminium with its uncertainty. Express your answer to an appropriate
number of significant figures. [6]

3. An error in a measurement of a physical quantity can either be random or systematic.

(a) What is meant by terms; random and systematic error?
(b) state one cause of each error and one possible way of reducing it. [6]
4. (a) Define the terms precision and accuracy. [2]
(b) A value of the volume V of a cylinder is determined by measuring the radius r and
length L. The relation between V, r and L is
2
V =π r L
In an experiment, r was measured as 3.30 ± 0.05 cm, and L was measured as 25.4 ± 0.4
cm. Find the value of V with its uncertainty. [4]