04.+Lab+1

Lab 1: Measurements

Purpose
The purpose is to refine the process of measuring and learn new ways to measure. These ways include learning to use a Vernier caliper and a micrometer.

Hypothesis
Using the Vernier caliper we will have a more accurate measurement than with the ruler. In addition to that, the micrometer will yield a more accurate measurement than both the Vernier caliper and the ruler.

Apparatus

 * Micrometer
 * Vernier caliper
 * Set of density metal cylinders
 * Balance and masses
 * Several small spheres

Procedure
1) Measure the length & diameter of cylinder using the Vernier caliper. Use three trials with recording 2) Use the average radius and length to calculate the average volume of the cylinder and record 3) Find the mass of the cylinder in grams 4) Calculate the mass density and compare it with the accepted value 5) Repeat steps 1-4 with the second cylinder **__Part D__**  6) Measure the diameter of one of the spheres with the micrometer 7) Find the mass of the sphere and record 8) Calculate the average mass density and compare with the accepted density 9) Repeat steps 6-8 with a second sphere

**Analysis****﻿**
Spherical Volume = 4 π r3 Cylindrical Volume = h π r2  Experimental Mass Density = Mass/Volume Error = Accepted – Experimental % Error = (|Error|/x) * 100%
 * Formulas**

The data shows that the average percent error for the measurements of the cylinder with the caliper is less than the average percent error for the measurement of the two spheres with the micrometer. Some errors that could have been made are, when closing the equipment it was closed too far or not far enough. Other errors include, measuring very badly on one measurement and throwing off all of the averages.

Conclusion
The hypothesis was supported because the average percent error for the measurements of the cylinder with the caliper is less than the average percent error for teh measurement of the two spheres with the micrometer. In the future, if this were to be repeated, then you would want to use use both instruments on both the spheres and the cylinders.