Scribd
Upload
7 views1 page

Physics Lab: Measuring Length & Precision

The lab focuses on measuring the length and volume of wooden blocks and a metal cylinder using a ruler and a calliper, emphasizing the importance of precision and accuracy. Students are required to document their findings, compute standard deviations, and compare the measurement devices. Additionally, they will create a stack of blocks, measure its height, and analyze the relationship between the number of blocks and height using regression analysis and graphing software.

Uploaded by

N H
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
7 views1 page

Physics Lab: Measuring Length & Precision

The lab focuses on measuring the length and volume of wooden blocks and a metal cylinder using a ruler and a calliper, emphasizing the importance of precision and accuracy. Students are required to document their findings, compute standard deviations, and compare the measurement devices. Additionally, they will create a stack of blocks, measure its height, and analyze the relationship between the number of blocks and height using regression analysis and graphing software.

Uploaded by

N H
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

MARC GARNEAU COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

SPH 3U – Introductory Physics Mr. H.M. van Bemmel

Lab 1 – Measurement of Length


Requirements

1. Groups of 3 or 4, but so that we have a minimum of groups


2. Format report required based on Lab Manual requirements for your class.
3. One lab period permitted for all this work. If you are not completed you will have to work
outside of class.
4. Keep your results in a lab notebook as I have described.

Equipment

- Ruler
- Calliper
- Wooden Blocks
- Metal Cylinder

The Experiment

1. Given the wooden blocks, and metal cylinders


a) Measure the diameters and lengths using the ruler and then the calliper.
b) You must indicate your reading error and make enough observations that you feel
confidence in your work.
c) You will need to compute the standard deviation of the observations.
d) How to maximize the precision and accuracy of these observations is your concern.
e) In your report you should compare the results of the two devices. If a calliper costs
$20 and your ruler say $0.50 then it costs 40 times as much. Does it give you a
similar increase in precision? Should it?

2. Compute the volume of each object with appropriate uncertainty.

3. Make a stack of eight different blocks.


a) As you build your stack, measure the height of the entire stack with your ruler.
b) When you are done, you should have a table with one column giving the number of
blocks and the other the height as measured with the ruler.
c) Now regress the values of h as a function of n. Choose the function that you think
would fit the best and explain why you chose this function.
d) Compute the uncertainty of any coefficients that you find.
e) Produce the graph on the computer. This plot should include data points as well as
your line of best fit as computed in this question.

[Clearly, effecting this by setting a ruler on the paper is NOT acceptable. You must
use a computer or calculator to solve this problem.]

You might also like