Eddy EganSeptember 21, 2007Paolilo Day 2 Pd. 8/9Uncertainty in MeasurementPurpose: To fine what factors determine the uncertainty of a measurementMaterials and Procedure in Chemistry Connections to Our Changing World pg. 48 usingelectronic balancesDate Performed: September 19, 2007InstrumentMeasurementResultsUncertaintyTriple-Beam BalanceMass of Coin5.73 g5.71 g5.71 g5.72 + .01Centimeter Ruler Length of Paper 14.2 cm14.2 cm14.2 cm14.2 + 0.0Width of Paper 11.00 cm10.90 cm10.90 cm10.9 + 0.0Celsius ThermometerTemperatureof Air 23. 0 ºC24.5 ºC23.5 ºC23.7 + .556Graduated CylinderVolume of Water 68.0 mL68.0 mL68.0 mL68.0 + 0
How precise were your measurements?
Our measurements were fairly accurate with only a slight uncertainty placed on three of the five experiments. The inaccurate readings can be accounted for by human error in thecentimeter ruler experiment, a change in the temperature of the Celsius thermometer experiment and possibly air speed over the electronic balance as people were hoveringabout it and breathing on it. In all the experiments came out much expected and we havelearned from any mistakes we may have encountered along the way.
1. Which instrument would be more accurate for measuring the volume of a liquid-a beaker or a graduated cylinder?
A graduated cylinder because graduated cylinders have more precise increments of measurement along the sides in order to determine the volume of the liquid as beakershave larger increments. These smaller increments allow for greater accuaracy.
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