I.

THEORY

Physics is an experimental science. Experiments require measurements and we

used numbers to describe the results of our measurements. Any numbers that is used
to measure quantitatively is called physical quantity.
When we measure quantity, we always compare it to some reference standard
which defines the unit of the quantity. To make the measurement accurate and
reliable, we need units of measurement that can be duplicated by observers in
different locations. The system of units commonly used is called metric system, but
since 1960 it has been known officially as International System or SI. Another system
is the English system where we used foot, pounds, etc.
Physical quantities can be basic like mass, length, time, etc. Combining two or
more of the basic quantities will result to derived quantities like area, volume, density,
speed, etc.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION

Physics helps us understand the physical universe by measuring fundamental

quantities such as distance, mass, length and time. In the process of measuring these
quantities, some uncertainties arise. This experiment enables the students to learn some
fundamental techniques to avoid errors and find out elementary methods for treating the
errors associated with these measurements.
The objectives of the experiment are to learn and identify quantities and their relation,
to compare measurements in metric and English system, to measure various dimensions of an
object using ruler, vernier caliper and micrometer caliper, and to determine the volume and
density of different materials.
PROCEDURE

Determining the mass and weight

SPECIMENS Measure the mass of each

specimen using top
loading balance in grams
and spring balance in
BLOCK SPHERE Newton.

Compute the mass obtained and for the percent

difference then record the data
mass(spring balance) - mass(triple beam balance)
% difference = x 100
 mass(spring balance) + mass(triple beam balance)  DOCUMENTATION
 
 2 

Determining the area and volume

Measure the metal

block in inches using
ruler and in centimeter
using Vernier caliper
Measure the ball in
inches using ruler and
in centimeter using
micrometer caliper
Compute for the area and volume
using both system of measurement.
Compare with the accepted ratio and
compute for the percent error
computed ratio - accepted ratio
% error = x 100
accepted ratio

Determining the density

Compute the experimental

Use precise data obtained from density then compare with the
top loading balance and Vernier accepted density
caliper of mass and volume mass,m
Experimental density =
volume,V
DATA AND RESULTS
A. Determining mass and weight
Mass
Triple beam
Spring balance Percentage
Specimen balance
Weight Difference
Mass (grams) Mass (grams)
(Newtons)
Block 149.04 g 1.6N 163.27 g 9.11%
Ball 66.36 g 0.7N 71.43 g 7.36%
B. Determining Area and Volume
Block
Vernier
Ruler Computed True Percent
Dimensions Caliper
(inch) Ratio Ratio Error
(cm)
Length 1in 2.50 cm 1 : 2.50 1 : 2.54 1.57%
Width 1in 2.50 cm 1 : 2.50 1 : 2.54 1.57%
Thickness 1in 2.50 cm 1 : 2.50 1 : 2.54 1.57%
Area 1in² 6.27 cm² 1 : 6.27 1 : 6.45 2.79%
Volume 1in³ 15.68 cm³ 1 : 15.68 1 : 16.39 4.33%
Ball
Micrometer
Ruler Computed True Percent
Dimensions Caliper
(inch) Ratio Ratio Error
(cm)
Diameter 1in 2.53 cm 1 : 2.53 1 : 2.54 0.39%
Volume 1in 8.58 cm³ 1 : 8.58 1 : 8.50 0.94%

C. Determining density
Accepted
Mass Volume Experimental Percent
Specimen Density
(grams) (cm3) Density (g/cm3) Error
(g/cm3)
Block 149.04 g 15.68 cm3 9.51 g/cm3 8.94 g/cm3 5.99%
Ball 66.36 g 8.58 cm3 7.73 g/cm3 7.85 g/cm3 1.53%
INTERPRETATION OF DATA

CONCLUSION