Activity No.

1
Measuring Length
I. Introduction
a. Ruler and Tape Measure
A tape measure, also called measuring tape, is a type of flexible ruler.
Tape measures are made from a variety of materials, including fiber glass, plastic
and cloth. They are among the most common measuring tools used today.
A tape measure is a portable measurement device used to quantify the
size of an object or the distance between objects. The tape is marked along the
tape edge in inches and fractional inches, typically in quarter-, eight-, and
sixteenth-inch increments. Some tape measures are marked in millimeters,
centimeters, and meters on one edge.

b. Vernier Caliper
A Vernier caliper, as the name suggests, is a type of caliper used for
taking measurements with acute precision. Also known as a precision instrument,
Vernier caliper is used to measure both internal and external distances with
utmost accuracy and least error. Vernier calipers are both of manual and digital
types. The manual Vernier calipers are the traditional ones and are still used
extensively. However, unlike manual calipers, digital calipers display reading on
their LCD, instantaneously and without the use of any kind of interpretation by
the user.
II. Objective
1. To determine which device for measuring length can give a more precise
measurement.
2. To determine the advantages and disadvantages of the instrument being
used such as Ruler, Tape measure and Vernier caliper.
3. To identify the length of matchbox, marble and dry old cell through the use of
ruler, tape measure and Vernier caliper.
III. Materials
 Transparent plastic ruler
 Plastic Vernier caliper
 Tape Measure
 Small matchbox
 Marble
 Small, dry old cell

IV. Procedures
1. Measure the length of the following objects using a transparent plastic ruler, a
tape measure and a Vernier caliper.
2. Repeat the measurement three to four times for each material. Tabulate your
data and determine the average absolute deviation in the set of measurements
for each measuring device.
 The advantages of using ruler is can measure a longer/larger
objects while the disadvantages of it is the measurement is not very
precise or accurate.
a. Tape measure
The advantages of using tape measure is can provide accurate
length of an object and also it is flexible while the disadvantages of it is
difficult to use when it is used over a long distance.
b. Vernier caliper
The advantages of using Vernier caliper are can measure smaller
objects with more precision and accuracy and it is good also in measuring
hollowed objects while the disadvantages of it are difficult to use in
spherical objects and also cannot measure more than a few centimeters.

3. Determine the function of `each of the following measuring instruments:

a. Altimeter – is an instrument used to measure the altitude of an object
above a fixed level.
b. Fathometer – is an instrument used for navigation to determine the
depth of water.
c. Pedometer – is a portable device that measure a person’s physical
activity level throughout the day.
d. Telemeter – is an instrument used to measure the distance between
moving objects or between one moving and one stationary objects.
e. Wire gauge – is an instrument used for selecting the appropriate
diameter for a specific purposes.
f. Radar – an instrument used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft and
terrain.