Measurement of Physical Quantities (Length): Fundamental

and Derived
*John Patrick O. Discaya, Karl Julius D. Docog, Fhel Rose Faye D. Doncillo,
John Noel J. Due, and Claire L. Duploso
Mechanical Engineering
*Corresponding author: johnpatrickdiscaya@gmail.com

Abstract
This exercise examined the foundational ideas of measuring as well as
the relationships between various quantities while taking accuracy and
precision into account. The diameter and circumference of a 380 g jar of
Stik-O were measured using a tape measure and split into three (3)
separate trials. As a result, the proponents were able to mathematically
confirm the value of pi and ascertain the measurement’s precision and
accuracy. This was vital since it gave rise to a greater comprehension of
the practical applications of both basic and derived values.

Keywords: Physical Quantities, Measurements, Pi, Accuracy, and Precision

Introduction
Physical quantities in science and engineering are crucial to comprehending the characteristics
and domains that surround the natural world. All things considered, it forms the basis for the development
of scientific ideas and offers forecasts that are essential to comprehending the basic principles of nature
that govern the universe. Any quantity that can be measured, stated by measurement, and represented by
numerical values is referred to as a physical quantity [1]. It also describes things that are measurable,
either directly or indirectly, and that are expressed in terms of standard scores or normal deviations, such
as metres, kilometres, feet, yards, etc. Fundamental and derived quantities are its other two types.
The easiest way to define Fundamental Quantities is in relation to the measurement process.
Fundamental units are the units used to measure them. Length, mass, electric current, temperature,
luminous intensity, time, and amount of substance are the seven fundamental quantities [2]. Derived
quantities are computed from measurements of fundamental quantities and can be represented in terms of
fundamental quantities [3]. For example, speed is derived when fundamental quantities were employed to
determine it, which is distance divided by time.
Understanding the fundamentals of physics measurement and the relationships between various
physical quantities is the aim of this exercise. Comprehending the fundamental units and knowing how to
calculate values such as area, volume, and speed. Additionally, measurements of physical quantities are
needed in many professions, particularly in the fields of engineering and physics, for everyday use. To
accurately evaluate results, one must comprehend the physical numbers, analyse and learn specific
measurements. Essential for obtaining a quantitative grasp of nature, guaranteeing dimensional
consistency, standardising communication, and exposing the underlying fundamental simplicity of
scientific principles and units.

Methodology
The activity’s focus was on verifying the value of pi using simply readily available materials, which
can be any cylindrical object. In this example, the proponents measured the diameter and circumference
of a 380 g jar of Stik-O by utilising its base. The measurements were then taken using a tape measure, and
the computations were done using a scientific calculator.
During the initial phase of the activity, known as the measuring process, the proponents first
confirmed the value of π, which may be described as the circumference divided by the diameter of a
circle, in order to ascertain the necessary physical quantities. This ratio’s genuine value is 3.141592654,
which is the actual value. The circumference and diameter of a 380 g jar of Stik-O were measured by the
proponents over the course of three (3) trials in order to verify this. The circumference of each trial was
determined by wrapping the tape measure around the tumbler three (3) times in a row, which
corresponded to the outcome of the three (3) trials that were carried out. The obtained values were then
rounded to the closest millimetre in accordance with the procedure. Furthermore, the proponents added all
of the measured values from each trial and divided the result by the quantity of values added to get the
average circumference. Similarly, to find the diameter, each trial’s corresponding value was measured
with a tape measure. The total was then divided by the number of values added to determine the average
diameter. It is significant that all of the obtained values were measured in inches (in), and only after
applying the standard conversion factors for both units, were they translated into millimetres (mm).
Consequently, the values of pi are then, calculated by dividing the values of the circumference and the
diameter for each trial while the average was calculated by getting the sum and dividing it by the quantity
of all the values.
In the second part, the proponents aimed to identify the precision and accuracy of the values
acquired in the first part by doing mathematical calculations of the percentage difference and percentage
error using the given standard formulas. In computing percentage difference, since there are multiple sets
of measurements the formula below was utilized;

Δ %=¿ | xi−x
x |
×100 %

Wherein, Δ % corresponds to the percentage difference equal to the absolute value of the difference
between one particular measurement xi , which in this activity refers to the values of pi in each trial and
the mean of the measured values in pi (x ), multiplied to a hundred to yield the percentage of the required
value. The values of pi obtained in each trial and its average are the values that were substituted into the
above-mentioned formula to acquire the percentage difference of each trial.
On the other hand, in computing the percentage error associated with analyzing the accuracy, the
formula below was used based on its definition;

ϵ %= | xmv−xsv
xsv |
× 100%

Where ϵ %, indicates the percentage error equal to the absolute value of the difference between the
average value of pi (xmv) and the standard value of pi, (xsv) divided by the standard value of pi, (xsv)
which was then multiplied to a hundred to get the percentage error. Notably, the average value of pi was
used as xmv since there is an involvement of multiple trials.
After all the process of measurement and calculations, the proponents re-examined and re-verified
all the resultant values as well as the process itself, to ensure a reliable set of data to be provided by this
report.

Results and Discussion

In the first part, the measurement of the circumference and diameter yielded an overall average
circumference of 332.74 mm; an average diameter of 99.06 mm; and an average value of pi of 3.359
following the correct significant figures for every corresponding value recorded and calculated.

Table 1. Measurements of the circumference and diameter of the 40 oz tumbler.

Trial Circumference (mm) Diameter (mm) π

1 330.2 96.52 3.421

2 335.28 101.6 3.300

3 332.74 99.06 3.358

Average 332.74 99.06 3.359

Note: For every trial, π = circumference (mm) / diameter(mm).

As shown in Table 1. The values associated with Trial 1 showed a relative change towards Trial 2
just varying by a few millimeters in measurement with Trial 3 just similar to Trial 1. This indicates that
the values recorded are just closely related to each other as denoted in the average values.
In the second part, the proponents aimed to calculate the precision and accuracy of the values
recorded in Table 1 using the percentage difference and percentage error formula. Where in the percent
error is 6.920%. In the duration of calculating the precision which is associated with percentage
difference, each trial obtained the following results; Δ% of Trial 1= 8.893%, Δ% of Trial 2= 5.042%, and
Δ% of Trial 3= 6.888%. In this part of the activity, the resultant values of the percent difference of each
trial are perceivably near to each other, therefore, it can be described that the measured and calculated
values of the 380 g jar of stik-o regarding the values of pi are relatively precise.
Conclusion
This activity examined measurement concepts practically by analyzing the diameter and circumference of
a Stik-O jar. We evaluated the accuracy and precision of our measurements while verifying the value of
pi through a series of trials and the use of mathematical algorithms. By conducting multiple trials, we
aimed to capture variations and ensure a comprehensive understanding of the measurement process. This
exercise was instrumental in highlighting how slight variations in measurement techniques can impact the
accuracy and precision of our results. It underscored the importance of meticulous data collection and
analysis in scientific endeavors, emphasizing that even small discrepancies can influence the validity of
our conclusions.

References

OpenStax. (n.d.). 1.2 Physical quantities and units. Pressbooks.

https://pressbooks-dev.oer.hawaii.edu/collegephysics/chapter/1-2-physical-quantities-and-units/

NEET topic_Fundamental and Derived Units_by Unacademy. (2022, April 21). Unacademy.
https://unacademy.com/content/neet-ug/study-material/physics/fundamental-and-derived-units/
#:~:text=Ans.-,Fundamental%20and%20derived%20quantities%20are%20both%20used%20for
%20measurement.,is%20derived%20from%20fundamental%20quantities.

Appendices

Documentation

A. Measurement Process.

B. Data Assessment and Transcription.