Conceptual Physics Activity 00a: Measurement, Precision and Accuracy

Experimentation almost always involves measurements of length, mass, time, or other quantities. In making
such measurements, we try to obtain as much precision as possible with the instruments and techniques
available to us. We always pay attention to significant figures so as not to overstate (or understate!) the
precision. In this simple activity, we will practice making indirect measurements and using the rules of significant
figures which you have learned previously.

Materials

plastic beral pipet graduated cylinder(s)

digital scale(s) ruler(s)

Tasks

Develop a viable method which will most precisely allow you to make the following measurements:

1 Determine the mass of one drop of water dispensed from a plastic beral pipet.
2 Determine the volume of one drop of water dispensed from a plastic beral pipet.
3 Determine the thickness of a 10.0 cm x 10.0 cm sample of aluminum foil.

Analysis:

For each task, do the following:

a. Write a clear and concise description of the method you used to obtain the measurements.
b. Create a data table showing all measurements. Make sure that each column or row heading
includes the appropriate units in parentheses. All data should show the correct number of
significant figures.
c. Show any calculations you used to determine the final measurement. Pay attention to the rules
of significant figures. Include appropriate labels.

Critical Thinking:
Two students make measurements of the mass of a single drop of water, the volume of a single drop of
water, and the thickness of the same sample of aluminum foil. Their results are outlined in the table
below:

Student A Student B
Mass of 1 Drop of Water 0.045 Mass of 1 Drop of Water 0.05
(g) (g)
Volume of 1 Drop of Water 0.045 Volume of 1 Drop of Water 0.05
(mL) (mL)
Thickness of sample of 0.015 Thickness of sample of 0.02
Aluminum Foil (cm) Aluminum Foil (cm)

1. How can the two students obtain different thicknesses for aluminum foil if they measured the same
sample? Explain.

2. Suggest differences in equipment, measurements and/or calculations which could account for the
discrepancies in measurements between student A and student B.