EXPERIMENT 2

MEASUREMENT STANDARDS

INTRODUCTION
Definite standards of measurement are necessary so that the properties
and changes in matter and energy can be studied more efficiently and the results
obtained can be compared. To facilitate calculations and comparison, units are
based on the two systems: the metric system and the English system.

For scientific work, the defined units adopted internationally is the metric
system. In 1960, to consolidate and simplify the measurements, the General
Conference of Weights and Measures adopted the International System of Units
called Systeme International d’ Unites (SI 1) in which all physical measurements
can be expressed.

Table 1. SI Base Units

Quantity Name of Unit Symbol

Length Meter m
Mass Kilogram Kg
Time Second s
Temperature Kelvin K
Amount of Substance Mole mol
Luminous Intensity Candela cd
Electric Current Ampere A

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 Measurements involve comparison to some reference standard and are
subject to some degree of uncertainty. The uncertainty measurements can be
attributed to (a) the limitation inherent in the construction of the measuring
device; (b) the condition under which the measurement is made; c) and the
different ways in which a person uses or reads the instrument.

Specific measurements must be precise and accurate. Accuracy is

represented by hitting the bull’s eye (the accepted value). Precision is
represented by a tight grouping of shots (they are finely tuned). The precision of
a measurement is the smallest possible unit that could be measured. The
significant figures in a measurement include all of the digits that are known, plus
one last digit that is estimated. Significant figures are the numbers that result
from a measurement. When the measurement is converted we need to make
sure we know which figures are significant and keep them in our conversion.

OBJECTIVES
1. To acquire skills in using measuring devices for length
2. Determine the difference between accuracy and precision

MATERIALS
Rectangular block 25- centavo coin PVC card
Vernier caliper Ruler

PROCEDURE

A. Volume of Rectangular Block

1. Measure the length (L), width (W), and thickness (T) of the rectangular block
using a ruler.

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2. Calculate the volume(V) of the block by multiplying the length, width and
thickness using the rules of significant figures for multiplication. (Volume of a
rectangular block = L x W x T).
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 using a Vernier caliper. Tabulate the results.

B. Volume and Surface Area of a Coin

1. Measure the diameter (D), and the thickness of a coin using a ruler.
2. Calculate the volume (V) and the surface area (A) of the coin using the rules of
significant figures for multiplication. (Surface area(A) = A2πr2 + 22πrT: Volume
of a cylinder = πr2T where r is the radius of the cylinder.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 using a Vernier caliper. Tabulate the results.

C. Perimeter and Thickness of a PVC Card

1. Measure the length (L) and width (W) of a PVC card using a ruler. Then repeat
the procedure using the Vernier caliper.
2. Calculate the perimeter of the card by adding twice the length and twice the
width using the rules of significant figures for multiplication. (Perimeter of a
rectangular PVC card = 2L + 2W).

References:
Ocampo, T. and Mora, E., (2015) Laboratory Manual in General Chemistry (Part 1
second edition), 839 EDSA, South Triangle, Quezon City: C& E Publishing, Inc.

Experiment Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XhCuEKdJnA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A34L8j9oxus

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Name: ___________________________ Date Performed:___________
Course: __________________________ Date Submitted:___________
Group No. ________________________ Instructor: _______________

EXPERIMENT 2

MEASUREMENT STANDARDS

DATA AND RESULTS:

A. Volume of Rectangular Block

Measuring Length (cm) Width (cm) Thickness Volume (cm3)

Instruments (cm)
Meter stick
Ruler
Vernier Caliper

B. Volume and Surface Area of a Coin

Measuring Diameter Radius Thickness Surface Volume

Instruments (cm) (cm) (cm) Area (cm2) (cm3)

Ruler

Vernier Caliper

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 C. Perimeter and Thickness of a PVC Card

Measuring Thickness Length (cm) Width (cm) Perimeter (cm)

Instruments (cm)

Ruler

Vernier Caliper

QUESTIONS:

1. What probably caused the percentage difference between the two methods of
measuring the volume of the objects?

2. Of the two measuring devices used in the experiment, which gives the more
accurate result? Why?

3. Why must the edge of the meterstick, rather than the broader side, be
adjacent to the dimension being measured?

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4. Why is it important to have accurate and precise instruments in
measurements?

5. Draw on a sheet of paper the proper way of reading the measurement using a
measuring instrument/device such as ruler or meter stick.

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