Physics Lab Report - Measurements - Thermometers, Densities, etc. with Diagrams

Conclusion:

The digital thermometer was the more accurate instrument, with a more accurate reading to 1 decimal place, rather than the analogue thermometer’s reading of no decimal places (2 significant figures).

Evaluation:

• A parallax error may have taken place; eyes must be directly above the reading of the thermometer.
• Stirring could have generated a little extra heat, which may have altered results.

Measuring Objects using the Metre Rule and Vernier Calliper

Aim:

To find the level of accuracy and the more accurate measuring instrument between the metre rule and the vernier calliper, by measuring the diameter of an object.

Apparatus:

• Vernier calliper
• Metre rule
• Object (cube)
• Pen
• Paper

Method:

1. Check for a zero error in the vernier calliper
2. If positive or negative zero error present, record the zero error
3. Take the cube and place it between the jaws of the vernier callipers
4. If zero error was present, subtract the zero error to get the actual value
5. Record the diameter of the cube
6. Take the cube and measure the diameter using a metre rule
7. Record the diameter of the cube

Diagrams:

(with vernier calliper)

(with metre rule)

        

Results:

Conclusion:

The vernier calliper is a more accurate instrument. The readings are also seen to be more accurate on the vernier calliper, as they are to 2 decimal places, while the readings from the metre rule are to 1 decimal place. I can conclude that the diameter of the vernier calliper is 1.87 cm.

Evaluation:

• A parallax error may have taken place; eyes must be directly above the reading of the vernier calliper and metre rule
• There was an uncertainty on the vernier calliper of ±0.005 cm and on the metre rule of ±0.05 cm

Measuring Mass and Volume Using Lab Equipment

Aim:

To measure the mass and volume of an object using lab equipment. This can be further used to calculate the density.

Apparatus:

• Object (cube)
• Digital Balance
• Measuring Cylinder
• Water
• Pen
• Paper
• Calculator

Method:

1. Put the cube on a balance and measure the mass of the object.
2. Fill water in a measuring cylinder. Record the initial volume of water.
3. Place the cube in the measuring cylinder with water and record the final volume of water.
4. Subtract the initial volume from the final volume and record the volume of the cube
5. Calculate, using the mathematical method to measure the volume by using the reading that was derived from the vernier calliper in the previous experiment. (reading3 )
6. To calculate the density, use the formula:

Diagrams:

(measuring mass on a digital balance)                (measuring volume using measuring cylinder)

Results:

Conclusion:

Using the mass and volume derived, we can then calculate the density. This was calculated to be 3.81g/cm3.  The measuring cylinder is not an extremely accurate instrument, and calculating the volume using the mathematical method seemed to be very accurate.

Evaluation:

• A parallax error may have occurred when recording the readings from the measuring cylinder.
• There was an uncertainty on the measuring cylinder of ±0.1cm3 and on the digital balance of ±0.001g, which may have resulted in a slight error in the results.