E Learning Topic 1

Evaluation: 1.1

1. To choose an apparatus for measurements, the maximum range and

sensitivity of the apparatus used must be appropriate comparing to the magnitude
of the measurement. Use the statement above to answer the following questions.
(a)
i Name the apparatus that can be used to measure the thickness of a 10
cents coin.
ii Which apparatus is most suitable. Give reason for your choice.
iii Suggest a general method that can be used to improve the accuracy of the
measurement, when the magnitude of the measurement is small comparing
to the sensitivity of the apparatus.
(b) When a ruler is used to measure the diameter of a 10 cent coin, state the 2
technical problems faced.

I. If the coin is placed horizontally on top of the ruler.

II. If the coin is placed vertically on top of ruler.
III. Name the additional apparatus required, and show the way to carry out
the measurement with a diagram to overcome the two problems stated
in question in b(i) and b(ii),

(c) To measure the diameter of the circular object normally 3 measurements are
carried out different places of the object before taking the average of the readings.
However, to measure the length of the linear objects, only 1 measurement is
needed. Explain the statement.

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Evaluation: 1.3

The 3 main types of measuring errors faced, are zero error, parallax error and
reflex error.

(1) Name the measuring error(s) which shows the characteristics of the
(a) Random error
…………………………………………………………………………………..
(b) Systematic error
…………………………………………………………………………………..

(2) Name the measuring error(s) that effects

(a) The accuracy of a measurements
…………………………………………………………………………………..
(b) The consistency of a measurements
…………………………………………………………………………………..

(3) State the general method can be used to reduce the following error.
(a) Zero error
…………………………………………………………………………………..

(b) Parallax error

…………………………………………………………………………………..

(c) Reflex error

…………………………………………………………………………………..

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Activity 1.9

Aim: To determine the uses, the sensitivity of the appliance and the appropriate
technique to reduce the errors of an apparatus and the error made.

Instruction:

State the uses and the sensitivity of the apparatus and the methods used to
overcome/reduce the errors of the apparatus used in the laboratory, based on the
apparatus given.

Table 1.14

No Apparatus Uses Sensitivity Methods to overcome/reduce

Zero Parallax Reflex
error error error
1 Analogue
stopwatch
2 Digital stopwatch

3 Thermometer

4 Ammeter

5 Millimeter

6 Voltmeter

7 Triple beam
balance

Notes: sensitivity of an apparatus is the smallest value that can be measured by

the apparatus.

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Evaluation: 1.4

Asah is measuring the time taken and the height of an object which is falling down
from a second floor of a building.

1. State the 2 aspects need to be considered before choosing an apparatus

for the measurements.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………..
2. Name the most appropriate apparatus used to measure the magnitude of
(a) The height
…………………………………………………………………………………
(b) The time taken
…………………………………………………………………………………
3. Name the type(s) of measuring error that affects the accuracy of the
(a) The height
………………………………………………………………………………….
(b) The time taken
…………………………………………………………………………………..