The uncertainties of using a ruler and caliper
The uncertainties of measurements using a ruler, caliper, and spring scales.
Isaiah Gonzales, Roman Acuna
September 19, 2014
Abstract: The experimenters conducted a total of four mini labs. In each lab they had to find measurements dealing with different instruments such as a ruler, caliper, stopwatch, and two spring scales of different newtons. The objective in each experiment was to record and measure different objects and to also give advantages and uncertainties when dealing with different instruments. The experimenters found that each instrument comes with an uncertainty. When dealing with a ruler, the measurement can be very accurate but is not as precise as a caliper. The caliper was the most precise instrument that the experimenters used. When recording with the stopwatch, the experimenters found that reaction time played an important role in the lab. The two spring scales came with different problems due to the fact that each one was limited in newtons. Each advantage was how accurate the instruments were.
Introduction and Background: The experimenters assumed that if more instruments are used to measure or record an object, then their measurements should be more precise and accurate. The main question that they asked was, “How do we know if our measurements are precise or not?” The experimenters knew that they must need the right instruments and use more than one for each experiment. Their main concern was the precision of each of their measurements; therefore, multiple instruments were used in three out of the four labs.
Method: In the first part of the lab, Rulers vs. Calipers, the experimenters were asked to compare the precision and accuracy measuring the same objects with a ruler and a caliper.
Materials: One marble
One washer
String
One 8 oz styrofoam cup
Procedures: Step one: The experimenters used the ruler to measure the diameter of the marble then recorded the measurement, along with an uncertainty, and then did the same with the
Isaiah Gonzales, Roman Acuna
September 19, 2014
Abstract: The experimenters conducted a total of four mini labs. In each lab they had to find measurements dealing with different instruments such as a ruler, caliper, stopwatch, and two spring scales of different newtons. The objective in each experiment was to record and measure different objects and to also give advantages and uncertainties when dealing with different instruments. The experimenters found that each instrument comes with an uncertainty. When dealing with a ruler, the measurement can be very accurate but is not as precise as a caliper. The caliper was the most precise instrument that the experimenters used. When recording with the stopwatch, the experimenters found that reaction time played an important role in the lab. The two spring scales came with different problems due to the fact that each one was limited in newtons. Each advantage was how accurate the instruments were.
Introduction and Background: The experimenters assumed that if more instruments are used to measure or record an object, then their measurements should be more precise and accurate. The main question that they asked was, “How do we know if our measurements are precise or not?” The experimenters knew that they must need the right instruments and use more than one for each experiment. Their main concern was the precision of each of their measurements; therefore, multiple instruments were used in three out of the four labs.
Method: In the first part of the lab, Rulers vs. Calipers, the experimenters were asked to compare the precision and accuracy measuring the same objects with a ruler and a caliper.
Materials: One marble
One washer
String
One 8 oz styrofoam cup
Procedures: Step one: The experimenters used the ruler to measure the diameter of the marble then recorded the measurement, along with an uncertainty, and then did the same with the
References: (2011). escience labs: Introductory physics. (Vol. 3.3). Sheridan, CO: eScience Labs, LLC. Retrieved from http://ecampus.wtc.edu/pluginfile.php/9210/mod_resource/content/6/escience_Lab_Manual.pdf-6350594626-62737728386811341667240564558479910928062762250838200Vernier Caliper Ruler Vernier Caliper Ruler 32347093484900-22732951866795 N Scale Spring10 N Scale Spring Stopwatch 5 N Scale Spring10 N Scale Spring Stopwatch -63501424939