Errors, Uncertainties, and Measurements
Experiment 1: Errors, Uncertainties, and Measurements
Laboratory Report
Margarita Andrea S. de Guzman, Celine Mae H. Duran,
Celina Angeline P. Garcia, Anna Patricia V. Gerong
Department of Math and Physics
College of Science, University of Santo Tomas
España, Manila
Abstract
Measurements, defined as a comparison with a standard, are essential in the study of physics. However, all measurements are prone to errors. There are two sources of errors: systematic errors random errors. This experiment aims to show how errors are encountered in measuring an object. Three instruments, namely the foot rule, vernier caliper, and micrometer caliper, were used to measure the diameter of a metal sphere. Ten independent measurements were taken per instrument. Statistical computations were performed to show the accuracy and precision of each instrument. Upon computation of the volume and density of the sphere based from the mean diameter, the percent error for each instrument was computed. At the end of the experiment, it was found that the micrometer caliper is the most accurate instrument in finding the diameter, while the foot rule is the least accurate.
I. Introduction
As early as the ancient times, the need for simple measurements presented itself in tasks, such as constructing houses, sowing clothes, knowing how heavy objects are, and telling time. The early units of measurements, as evidenced by writings by Babylonians and even the Bible, were based from the body parts of humans. Thus, the ancient terms digit, palm, span, and cubic were all derived from human body parts, which later on evolved into the English system of inch, foot, and yard. Time was measured by periods of sun, moon, and other heavenly bodies. Much later on, during the 16th century, the need for a standard unit of measurement worldwide was recognized. During the French revolution in 1790, the National Assembly of France delegated to the French Academy of Sciences the task of
Laboratory Report
Margarita Andrea S. de Guzman, Celine Mae H. Duran,
Celina Angeline P. Garcia, Anna Patricia V. Gerong
Department of Math and Physics
College of Science, University of Santo Tomas
España, Manila
Abstract
Measurements, defined as a comparison with a standard, are essential in the study of physics. However, all measurements are prone to errors. There are two sources of errors: systematic errors random errors. This experiment aims to show how errors are encountered in measuring an object. Three instruments, namely the foot rule, vernier caliper, and micrometer caliper, were used to measure the diameter of a metal sphere. Ten independent measurements were taken per instrument. Statistical computations were performed to show the accuracy and precision of each instrument. Upon computation of the volume and density of the sphere based from the mean diameter, the percent error for each instrument was computed. At the end of the experiment, it was found that the micrometer caliper is the most accurate instrument in finding the diameter, while the foot rule is the least accurate.
I. Introduction
As early as the ancient times, the need for simple measurements presented itself in tasks, such as constructing houses, sowing clothes, knowing how heavy objects are, and telling time. The early units of measurements, as evidenced by writings by Babylonians and even the Bible, were based from the body parts of humans. Thus, the ancient terms digit, palm, span, and cubic were all derived from human body parts, which later on evolved into the English system of inch, foot, and yard. Time was measured by periods of sun, moon, and other heavenly bodies. Much later on, during the 16th century, the need for a standard unit of measurement worldwide was recognized. During the French revolution in 1790, the National Assembly of France delegated to the French Academy of Sciences the task of
References: [1] NRICH team. (n.d.). Measure for Measure. Retrieved June 25, 2013. from http://nrich.maths.org/2568 [2] Webster 's Tenth New Collegiate Dictionary, Merriam-Webster: Springfield, MA, 2000. [3] Serway R.A. & Vuille C. (2012). Physics fundamentals 1. Singapore: Cengage Learning. [4] Walker, J. (2008). Fundamentals of physics. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley [5] Vernier Caliper . Encyclopedia Britanica. Retrieved June 25, 2013. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/626328/vernier-caliper. [6] Using the vernier caliper and micrometer screw gauge.Undergraduate Physics Laboratory.Retrieved June 25, 2013.