Abstract

We have conducted six experiments in order to know the dimensions of a

rectangular block, two cylindrical block and one birr coin. Using the
dimensions we have also determined the volume and the density. Besides
we also measured the mass of the cylinders.

Purpose

The purpose of our experiment is to know whether uncertainties occur or

not in the experiments.
Material

Item Quantity
Rectangular block 1
Cylindrical block 2
One Birr coin 1
Meter stick 1
Vernier Caliper 1
Graduated cylinder 1
Triple beam balalnce 1
Digital stopwatch 1

Introduction (Theory)

Since every measurement has uncertainties, the Objective of the

experiment was & minimizes error by making repeated measurement of an

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object. Since length, width, thickness, most, rameter and lime can sured
directly in used formulas only for do the density part.

To measure the volume of a cylinderical block we use formula V =lwh

Where w= width, l= length and h= height
To measure the volume of a cylinderical block we use formula V =π r 2 l
r= radius, l=length
m
To measure density P= v

m=mass, v= volume
Different measuring devices like meter stick, vernier caliper, beam balance
Stopwatches, micrometer, screw gauges have been used. Every
measurement had variable results backed to the person doing the
experiment and the measuring devices. There have been also uncertainties
in calculations because of rounding.

Theory
Measurement uncertainty is a crucial concept in experimental physics and
engineering! When conducting lab experiments, it's essential to understand
and quantify the uncertainties associated with your measurements. The
theory behind measurement uncertainty can be quite intricate, but I'll try
to break it down for you in a simple and practical way. When you take a
measurement in the lab, it's rare to get an exact and precise value. There
are always factors that introduce errors and uncertainties into your
measurements. These uncertainties can arise from various sources, such as
limitations of the measuring instruments, environmental conditions, human

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 errors, and the nature of the quantity being measured. Measurement
uncertainty is typically expressed as an error bar or an uncertainty interval
associated with the measured quantity. For example, a measurement of
10.0 ± 0.5 cm indicates that the true value lies within the range of 9.5 cm to
10.5 cm with a 68% confidence level. Understanding measurement
uncertainty is crucial for interpreting experimental results, determining the
reliability of measurements, and making informed decisions based on data.

Method/ Procedure

1. We measured the dimensions of a rectangular block. we measured its length

width and thickness by meter stick.

2. We measured the dimensions of the two Copper and aluminum cylindrical

blocks.

We measured it using vernier caliper

3. We measured the one birr coin’s diameter and thickness.

4. Then we measured the masses of the two cylinderical blocks by using triple
beam balance.

5. And then we calculated the volume and density by using the formulas
m
the formula we used areV =lwh and P= v

6. Then we measured the volumes of the cylinderical blocks by using graduated

cylinder.

When measuring the volume using graduated cylinder, we first put water in the
cylinder and recorded the measurement, then we added the cylinderical lock and
recorded the difference before and after. Then calculated the volume.

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 - we repeated the experiment for the copper as well as aluminum cylinderical
blocks

7. Finally we measured the line rising using digital stopwatch

While measuring we recorded the results we obtained in a tabular form.

We used data tables for recording our measurement.

Data and observation

Data table 1 Dimension of rectangular block
Measurement of
estimated Measured value Average % Error
length 4.5 4.58 4.6 4.59 4.7 23

Width 3.6 3.7 3.7 3.77 3.8 21

thickness 1.8 1.7 1.76 1.8 1.7 11

Least count of meter stick is 0.1cm.

Data table 2: Dimension of cylindrical block

Least count of vernier caliper =0.02mm
Cylinder Measurement Estimated Measured values (Three Average % Error
of Trials)
Copper length 3.7 3.7 3.8 3.97 3.76 1
diameter 1.8 1.89 1.9 1.86 1.93 8
Aluminum length 2 1.97 1.98 1.9 1.9 8
diameter 1 0.9 0.91 0.98 1.93 11
Data table 3: Dimension of 1 birr coin
Least count of micrometer screw gauge =0.01mm
Measurement Estimated Measured (Three Trials ) Average % Error
of
Thickness(cm) 0.2 0.281 0.29 0.27 0.25 1.1
Diameter(cm) 2.8 2.75 2.8 2.31 2.84 1

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 Data Table 4: Volume Measurements and Calculations
Least count of graduated cylinder =1ml
Object Length/ Width/Diameter Thickness Calculated Measured % Error
Height (cm) (cm) (cm) Volume Volume
(cm3 ) (cm3)
Rectangula 4.5 3.6 1.8 29.5 29 0.1
r
Copper 3.7 1.8 - 9.4 8 4
Aluminum 2 1 - 1.6 2 4
One birr - 2.8 0.2 0.5 0.1 3
Data type 5: Mass Measurements/Density Calculations
Least count of triple-beam balance =0.1g
Object Estimated Measured (gm) (Three Average % Error Volume Density
(gm) Trials) (gm) (cm3 ) (g/cm3 )

Copper 85 8.45 83 83 8.56 3 29 10.6

Cylinder
Aluminum 2 2.1 2.0 2.0 2.2 10 8 1
Cylinder

Data table 6: Time Measurement and Estimation

Least count of digital stopwatch = 0.01s
Estimated Measured time (s) (Three Trials) Average time % Error
time (s) (s)
40 40 39 40 39.2 2
20 19 19 20 19.4 3

Analysis and result

By using the formula below we calculated the error percentage
Percent Error = | Estimated Value − Actual Value Actual Value |
× 100%

Therefore the final result with the uncertainty is given by Actual value ±
(Actual value X Percent error)

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 Discussion

The lab experiment on measurement and uncertainty offered valuable insights

into the challenges and considerations involved in making precise and reliable
measurements. By exploring the sources of uncertainty, analyzing measurement
data, and evaluating the impact of errors on experimental outcomes, several key
points emerged that merit discussion.

1. Sources of Uncertainty:
- The experiment identified multiple sources of uncertainty, including random
variations, systematic errors, and limitations in measurement instruments.
Random uncertainties, stemming from factors beyond our control, contributed to
the variability observed in the measured data. Systematic errors, on the other
hand, arose from consistent biases in the measurement process, highlighting the
importance of calibration and error correction.

2. Error Analysis and Uncertainty Estimation:

- Through error propagation techniques and statistical analysis, the experiment
enabled the quantification of uncertainties associated with measured values.
Calculating the total uncertainty involved aggregating individual uncertainties,
considering their respective contributions to the overall measurement error. This
process illuminated the magnitude of uncertainty inherent in the experimental
data and underscored the need for robust uncertainty estimation methods.

3. Impact on Results and Interpretation:

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 - The presence of uncertainties in measurements has significant implications for
result interpretation and decision-making. High levels of uncertainty can
introduce ambiguity in data analysis, affecting the reliability and confidence in the
reported findings. By acknowledging and addressing uncertainties, researchers
can mitigate potential inaccuracies and enhance the credibility of their results

Conclusion
In conducting the lab experiment on measurement and uncertainty, several
important insights have been gained regarding the precision, accuracy, and
reliability of measurements. The experiment aimed to explore the various sources
of uncertainty affecting measurements and to quantify the impact of these
uncertainties on the results obtained.

Through the experiment, it was observed that measurements are subject to

different types of uncertainties, including random uncertainties arising from
inherent variability, systematic uncertainties stemming from consistent biases,
and resolution uncertainties associated with the precision of measuring
instruments. These uncertainties play a crucial role in determining the overall
uncertainty of a measurement and must be carefully considered in data analysis
and interpretation.

By employing methods such as error propagation, statistical analysis, and

calibration techniques, the experiment allowed for the quantification and
estimation of uncertainties associated with measured values. The process of

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combining individual uncertainties to calculate the total uncertainty of a
measurement provided a comprehensive understanding of the reliability and
limitations of the experimental data.

Post lab questions and answers

1. For the figures below identify the value of the major mark and the value of
the minor mark (least count) and write the reading from the instrument

Meter stick = 7cm +0.2cm =7.2cm

Vernier calliper =3.2mm+0.0mm=3.2mm

Screw gauge = 4mm+0.09mm=4.09mm

Balance = 200g+90g+0.2g= 290.02g

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2. Why is it important to correctly estimate length, time, and mass?
 accurate measurements of length, time, and mass are essential for obtaining
reliable and meaningful results. Precise data contribute to the validity of
scientific conclusions and theories.
3. Compare your estimates of length, mass, and time to the actual measurement
by calculating the percent error.
 To calculate the error percentage we can use the following formula Percent
Error = | Estimated Value − Actual Value /Actual Value | × 100%
Length% = | 4.5−4.58 /4.58 | × 100% = 1.75%
Mass% = | 87−86.27/ 86.37 | × 100% = 8.48 x 10^-6 %
Time% =| 4−4.613 /4.613 | × 100% = 13.2%
In summery the measured and the estimated values are more or less the same.
4. Sometimes many trials are run and recorded. Then the highest and lowest
data points are disregarded when taking the average. Explain why
 Extreme values that significantly differ from the majority of the data. These
values can distort the average, leading to a misrepresentation of the central
tendency of the dataset. By removing the highest and lowest data points, the
impact on the average is reduced. And the process is called trimming.
5. Which is more accurate , individual measurements or their average? Explain.
 The average, because when measuring individual measurements there might be
instrumental errors resulting in the inaccuracy of the measurement, but when
calculating the average we use trimming to reduce inaccuracy.
6. Suppose you are provided with a ruler the ends of which are worn a bit. How
should you start your measurements in order to minimize the possibility of
unacceptable errors?
• Examine the ruler to identify areas of wear or damage, particularly at the ends. Take note of
any significant wear patterns or irregularities.

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 • Choose the section of the ruler with the least wear for making measurements. Focus on a
region where the markings and edges are still clear and distinct.

• Align the Object Correctly

Reference
 Khan Academy | Free online courses, lessons & practice. (n.d.). Khan
Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/
 Serway, R., & Vuille, C. (2010b). College Physics (9th ed.).
Brooks/Cole.
 Taylor, John R. An Introduction to Error Analysis: The Study of
Uncertainties in Physical Measurements. University Science Books, 1997.

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