Scientific Measurement and Error
EXPERIMENT #1: SCIENTIFIC MEASUREMENT AND ERROR
By:
Date: 8/26/13
Objectives: The goals of the experiment are to learn how to use different types of scientific glassware and to understand the significance of precision and accuracy in scientific measurement.
Procedure: No modifications were made during the experiment.
Data: Data tables for the experiment are provided on attached sheet.
Calculations:
Table I -
Table III –
Table IV –
Conclusion: By performing the experiment I was able to meet the two objections provided. During the first portion of the procedure, an analytical balance (#2) was used to determine the weight of a given bottle, the bottle’s lid, and the combination of the two. After taking four measurements of each, I then calculated the means and standard deviations. For the data recorded in table I the values computed for the standard deviations were very small (.0001 g - .0002 g), so the measurements given by the analytical balance are very precise. After the means were calculated, I compared the weight measured of the lidded bottle to the weight of the same lidded bottle on four different balances. Since the largest gap between all of the results was .0005 g, it’s clear that an analytical balance is an extremely accurate instrument for measuring weight, assuming there are no systematic errors present at the time.
The data recorded in table II was collected by examining the imprints on different types and sizes of volumetric glassware that are shown to determine the calibration temperatures, the volume graduations and whether the glassware was calibrated “to contain” (TC) or “to deliver” (TD) a certain volume of fluid. After studying the different types of glassware, I can determine which is the most suitable for use when performing an experiment.
In the third part of the experiment; 100 mL of deionized water was measured in a graduated cylinder by adding 10 mL increments, then the
By:
Date: 8/26/13
Objectives: The goals of the experiment are to learn how to use different types of scientific glassware and to understand the significance of precision and accuracy in scientific measurement.
Procedure: No modifications were made during the experiment.
Data: Data tables for the experiment are provided on attached sheet.
Calculations:
Table I -
Table III –
Table IV –
Conclusion: By performing the experiment I was able to meet the two objections provided. During the first portion of the procedure, an analytical balance (#2) was used to determine the weight of a given bottle, the bottle’s lid, and the combination of the two. After taking four measurements of each, I then calculated the means and standard deviations. For the data recorded in table I the values computed for the standard deviations were very small (.0001 g - .0002 g), so the measurements given by the analytical balance are very precise. After the means were calculated, I compared the weight measured of the lidded bottle to the weight of the same lidded bottle on four different balances. Since the largest gap between all of the results was .0005 g, it’s clear that an analytical balance is an extremely accurate instrument for measuring weight, assuming there are no systematic errors present at the time.
The data recorded in table II was collected by examining the imprints on different types and sizes of volumetric glassware that are shown to determine the calibration temperatures, the volume graduations and whether the glassware was calibrated “to contain” (TC) or “to deliver” (TD) a certain volume of fluid. After studying the different types of glassware, I can determine which is the most suitable for use when performing an experiment.
In the third part of the experiment; 100 mL of deionized water was measured in a graduated cylinder by adding 10 mL increments, then the