Physics
Vandebilt Catholic High School
W. Dupre

Lab #2: Measurement, Precision, and Significant Digits

Purpose: In this lab students will use a four-sided meter stick to measure the length, width, and height of lab table. From these measurements the volume and total surface area of the table will be calculated.

Concepts: measuring skills, the metric system, precision, and significant digits.

Equipment: four-sided meter stick and lab table

Procedure: Students will use the meter scale to measure the length, width, and height of lab table. From these measurements the volume and total surface area of the table will be calculated. The measurements and calculations will be repeated with the decimeter scale, centimeter scale, and millimeter scale.

Data: All measurements and calculations are to be recorded in a data table.

 

Length

(l)

Width

(w)

Height

(h)

Volume

(V)

Relative Difference

(DR)

Total Surface Area

(AT)

Relative Difference

(DR)

meter scale (m)

              

decimeter scale (dm)

              

centimeter scale (cm)

              

millimeter scale (mm)

              

Calculations: Provide one example of a volume calculation and one example of a total surface area calculation.

Error Analysis:
1. Perform a percent difference (relative difference) analysis.
2. State the acceptability of results.
3. Discuss reasons for the relative difference

Analysis Questions:

  1. Which measurement(s) do you feel are the least precise? Why?
  2. Explain how the tool used to make the measurement determines the number of significant digits in a measurement? How does this relate to the concept of precision?
  3. Explain the significant digit rule or rules for determining the correct number of significant digits for the volume of an object.
  4. Explain the significant digit rule or rules for determining the correct number of significant digits for the total surface area of an object.