Title: Accuracy, Precision, and Significant Figures in Measurements.

AIMS:
1. To differentiate between accuracy and precision in laboratory measurements.
2. To practice using the appropriate number of significant figures in measurements.
3. To understand the importance of accuracy and precision in scientific experimentation.
INTRODUCTION:
Accuracy and precision are critical aspects of laboratory measurements. Accuracy refers to how
close a measurement is to the true or accepted value, while precision refers to the consistency and
reproducibility of measurements. Using the correct number of significant figures is essential for
expressing the precision of measurements. This laboratory practical aims to explore these concepts
through hands-on activities involving solids and liquids.
PRE-LABORATORY RISK ASSESSMENT (YOU NEED TO DO THE ANALYSIS OF
THE POTENTIAL RISKS YOU WILL FACE IN THE LABORATORY AND INCLUDE
THEM IN THIS SECTION)
PRE-LABORATORY QUESTIONS:
1. Define accuracy and precision in the context of laboratory measurements.
2. Discuss potential sources of error in laboratory measurements and strategies to minimize
them.
3. How can accuracy and precision impact the reliability of scientific data?
MATERIALS:
 Solid objects of various shapes and sizes (e.g., metal cubes, cylinders, spheres)
 Liquids (e.g., water, coloured water)
 Measuring instruments (e.g., balance, graduated cylinders, beakers)
 Rulers
 Recording sheets or lab notebooks
 Safety goggles and gloves
PROCEDURE:
1. Find the set-up in the laboratory stations with various solid objects (e.g., wood cubes, cylinders)
and liquid samples (e.g., water, colored water).

Accuracy Assessment (Solids):

2. Measure the mass of each solid object using a balance.
3. Record measurements with the appropriate number of significant figures.
4. Compare measured masses with known values () to assess accuracy.

Precision Evaluation (Solids):

5. Measure the dimensions (e.g., length, width, height) of a solid object using rulers.
6. Repeat measurements multiple times (5 times) and calculate standard deviation to assess
precision.

Accuracy Assessment (Liquids):

7. Measure the volume of each liquid sample using beakers.
8. Measure the volume of each liquid sample using graduated cylinders.
9. Record measurements with the appropriate number of significant figures.
10. Compare measured volumes with known values to assess accuracy.

Precision Evaluation (Liquids):

11. Measure the volume of a liquid sample multiple times (5 times) using graduated cylinders.
12. Record each measurement and calculate the standard deviation to assess precision.
CALCULATIONS:
1. Calculate the average mass and standard deviation for solid objects.
2. Calculate the average volume and standard deviation for liquid samples.
POST-LABORATOY QUESTIONS
1. What is the more accurate measurement?
2. What is the measurement that is more precise?
3. How do accuracy and precision differ in laboratory measurements? Provide
examples from the practical.
4. Why is it important to use the appropriate number of significant figures in scientific
measurements?
5. Reflect on potential sources of error encountered during the laboratory practical and
suggest strategies to minimize them.
6. How can the concepts learned in this laboratory practical be applied in real-world
scientific research or everyday life?
RUBRIC FOR EVALUATION:
Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Poor (1) Grade
Understanding Demonstrates Shows good Displays some Demonstrates little to
of Accuracy and thorough understanding with understanding but no understanding of
Precision understanding with adequate lacks clarity in accuracy and
clear explanations explanations and explanations or precision concepts.
and examples. examples. examples.
Application of Applies Mostly applies Attempts to apply Does not apply
Significant appropriate appropriate significant figures significant figures
Figures significant figures significant figures but with frequent correctly or
consistently and but with occasional errors or consistently.
accurately in errors. inconsistency.
measurements.
Data Recording Records data Records most data Records data with Records data
and Analysis accurately with accurately but with some inaccuracies inaccurately or
proper units and occasional errors in or inconsistencies. incompletely.
significant figures. units or significant Analysis of data Analysis of data is
Analyzes data figures. Analyzes lacks depth or minimal or absent.
effectively to data adequately to clarity.
conclude. conclude.
Engagement Actively engages Participates in Participates Shows little to no
and in laboratory laboratory activities minimally in engagement in
Participation activities, and discussions laboratory laboratory activities
discussions, and with some activities and or discussions.
teamwork. engagement. discussions.
Laboratory Presents a well- Presents a mostly Presents a Presents a
Report organized and organized partially disorganized or
comprehensive laboratory report, organized incomplete laboratory
laboratory report, with some sections laboratory report, report, with many
including lacking detail or with several sections lacking detail
introduction, clarity. Reports sections lacking or coherence. Reports
methods, results, findings adequately, detail or findings unclearly or
discussion, and but may lack depth coherence. ineffectively.
conclusion. in analysis or Reports findings
Reports findings discussion. with limited
clearly and clarity or
effectively, with effectiveness.
proper use of
scientific language
and terminology.
TOTA MARKS: