Physics 1 - Lab Report 1 PDF

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Lab report for physics 1.
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Bertellotti 1 TA Afrouz PHY2048L May 20, 2019 Experiment 1: Mass, Volume, Density Purpose: The purpose of this experiment was to determine the volume, mass and density of 4 different objects using measuring devices such as micrometer, Vernier caliper and a laboratory balance. The objects that we were given were a steel ball, rectangular aluminum block, aluminum annular cylinder and a brass cylinder. We were expected to measure the weight of those four different objects using the measuring tools provided and them fill in the table of information. Theory: In experiment one, we used the four different objects and measuring devices to be able to record our data and used analysis of data to be able to understand what the values that we were finding meant. We used a Vernier caliper which consists of a rule with a main engraved scale and a moveable jaw with an engraved Vernier scale. The span on the lower jaw is used to measure length and diameter of a cylindrical object. The span on the upper jaw is used to measure distances between two surfaces such as the inside of a hollow cylindrical object. In other words, we were able to keep the object inside of the internal measuring jaws and use the main scale and the Vernier scale to find the most accurate measurement for each object. We also used a micrometer, which provides for accurate measurements of small lengths and it is particularly convenient in measuring the diameters of thin wires and the thickness of

Bertellotti 2 thin sheet. It consists of a moveable spindle called jaw, a parallel-faced jaw called an anvil, and a ratchet which allows slippage of the screw mechanism when a small object is inserted in the jaw. In other words, we were able to tight the object on the space needed between the anvil and the spindle using the ratchet. By tighten it as much as it was possible, we were able to measure the most accurate dimensions for each of the objects. The theory for reading the accurate measure is to look at the number in the sleeve first and then add the measure from the thimble. Also, we used a laboratory balance, which is used to weight objects that its mass is unknown. The balance part is very straightforward and needs to be very precise to have an accurate mass. After collecting all the information from the measuring equipment, we were able to begin using theory and use the information gathered in other to find other variables. The theory behind density is that density is defined to be the amount of mass per volume; so, when asked to find the density we were able to get the mass and divide by the volume. Discussion: I think that my results for this lab were pretty similar to the ones provided on the experiment, besides the first object in which me and my group were beginning to understand how the measuring tools worked and it was the first time at a physics lab. However, if I looked at my lab as a whole, I would say that my data was pretty accurate, and my percent errors were very low for a first time on the lab. I think that now that I am more comfortable with the measuring tools and know how to do the conversions better, if I had the opportunity to redo the first part of the experiment my results would be a lot better. Conclusion:

Bertellotti 3 This experiment was designed for us to be able to determine the mass, volume, and density of four different objects using specific measuring tools. Each measuring tool had its own purpose and the theory behind it stated its meaning. Using the laboratory balance, we were able to determine the mass of each of the four objects. Also, as the objects had different sizes and shapes, we had to use the Vernier caliper or a micrometer in order to find its diameter. We collected the data for each category at least 3 times and found the average of it, which later on was used to find the rest of the required information. We were also expected to do the percent error for this experiment. If the percent error was above 60% the experiment had some serious problem. My experimental results were acceptable for each one of the objects. For table one my percent error was 51%, table two 1.1%, table three 0.78% and for table four 1.52%. I believe that my first table was the one with the highest percent error due to the fact that me and my group were getting to know the measure tools and how we were supposed to do the lab and after we understood how it was supposed to be done, our percentage error was reduced by a lot.

Question #1: Fig 6 (a) – 15.5cm Fig 6 (b) – 1.05cm Fig 6 (c) – 5.52cm Question #2: The main difference between 1.05cm and 1.050cm is the first one is not using significant figures to display an answer, whereas the second one is taking significant figures in consideration and making it a part of the final answer. The thimble in a micrometer caliper would determine the significant figures of the values....