TITLE: Measurements and Errors (1A)

ABSTRACT:

The objective of this experiment is to use different instruments (meter rule, Vernier calliper

and micro-meter screw) to find the measurements of different items and to evaluate the

experimental errors related with them. In addition to determining the centripetal force and

its associated error; the experimental errors are to also be calculated for a string, measuring

tape, electronic balance and stopwatch. The centripetal force has to found by calculating

the speed that the mass travels in a circular motion and plugging in the other relevant data

into an equation. Firstly, length, width and height were recorded using a meter rule, Vernier

caliper and a micrometre screw gauge. In the second half of the experiment a tube with a

string and rubber bungs attached were twirled and its time for 50 revolutions were timed.

Then its masses were calculated. Lastly all associated errors were found. It was found that

the most accurate and precise device used was the micro meter screw gauge because it had

the smallest error. The centripetal force of the rubber bung was found to be 0.912N.

INTRODUCTION AND THEORY:

Measuring instruments are devices that are used to measure physical quantities. The type

of instruments used for a measurement depends on its range and sensitivity. [CITATION Fac18

\p 25 \l 11273 ]. Systematic errors are ones which can be avoided or whose magnitude can be

determined. Random errors are those which manifest themselves by the slight variations

that occur in successive measurements made by the same observer with the greatest care

under as nearly identical conditions as possible. All measuring instruments are subject to

varying degrees of instrument error and measurement uncertainty.[ CITATION MJK00 \l

11273 ]. These errors can be calculated and mentioned with the results obtained. Accuracy is

how close a measured value is to that of the actual (true) value whereas precision is how

close the measured values are to each other. Both accuracy and precision are independent

to each other.[ CITATION Sus11 \l 11273 ]

A centripetal force is a net force that acts on an object to keep it moving along a circular

path. Centripetal acceleration is the rate of change of tangential velocity. The direction of

the centripetal acceleration always inwards along the radius vector of the circular motion.

v²
a= r

Newton’s first law tells us that an object will continue moving along a straight path unless

acted on by an external force. The external force here is the centripetal force. Newton’s

second law of motion states that the net force of an object is equal to the product of the

mass of the object and its acceleration.

F=ma

F
Therefore a=
m

 a-acceleration (m/s²)

 m-mass(kg)

 F-force(N)

 r-radius of the circular path

mv²
The centripetal force is now F=
r

distance travelled
Speed, v =
time taken
Distance travelled is the circumference of the path taken= 2πr

2 πr
Therefore v =
t

V olume of a Metal Block , V metal block=Length ,l x Breath ,b x Height , h

Volume of a Cylinder ,V cylinder =π r 2 h

Volume of a Hollow Cylinder ,V hollow cylinder , V =πh( ( V external )2−( V internal )2 )

EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS:

APPARATUS:

Meter rule

Vernier caliper

Micrometre screw gauge

A string

Electronic balance

Stopwatch

Metal tubing with (2) rubber stoppers

PROCEDURE 1:

[ CITATION Fac18 \l 11273 ]

(1) The meter rule, vernier caliper and micrometre screw gauge were used to take

readings of:

• Length, width and height of the metal block.

• Diameter and length of the metal cylinder.

• The internal, external diameter and height of the hollow cylinder.

(2) The results were tabulated and the volume was calculated with the dimensions of

each of the instruments and its associated error.

PROCEDURE 2:

(1) A 0.25m mark was made on the string that was attached with the two stoppers.

(2) The mass of the two stoppers (m1 and m2) were taken using an electronic balance.

(3) The tube was twirled ensuring the small stopper was travelling in a circle.

(4) The time for 50 oscillations were taken using a stop watch. This step was repeated 5

times.

(5) The reaction time was taken and recorded.

(6) Results were tabulated and the centripetal force was calculated.
 PRECAUTIONS:

(1) The micro meter screw gauge was tightened until the “clicking” sound was heard.

(2) Not using the ends of the metre rule to prevent zero error.

(3) Taking an average to increase accuracy and reliability of the results when recording

the time taken for 50 oscillations.

(4) The pipe was twisted above the head to ensure the motion stayed circular.

RESULTS AND CALCULATIONS:

TABLE 1.1: SHOWING THE MEASUREMENTS OF DIFFERENT ITEMS USING DIFFERENT

INSTRUMENTS

MEASURING INSTRUMENTS

SOLIDS DIMENSIONS M.R. V.C. M.M.S.G

(±0.05x 10-2)m (±0.01X10-3)m (±0.005x10-3)m

SOLID LENGTH (x10-2m) 4.90 5.01 Too long
WIDTH (x10-2m) 2.50 2.54 2.53
CUBOID
HEIGHT (x10-2m) 1.20 1.26 1.26

SOLID CYLINDER DIAMETER (x10-2m) 1.50 1.56 1.56

HEIGHT (x10-2m) 2.00 2.14 2.14

HALLOW LENGTH (x10-2m) 2.30 2.32 2.32

CYLINDER HEIGHT(x10-2m) 2.30 2.32 2.32

OUTER DIAMETER(x10-2m) - 2.05 -

INNER DIAMETER (x10-2m) - 1.53 -

TABLE 1.2: SHOWING THE VOLUME OF EACH SOLID

SOLIDS VOLUME

(x10-2m) 3
M.R. V.C. M.M.S.G

(±0.05x 10-2)m (±0.01X10-3)m (±0.005x10-3)m

SOLID CUBOID 14.7 16.03 -
SOLID CYLINDER 3.53 4.09 4.09
HALLOW CYLINDER - 3.39 -
TABLE 1.3: SHOWING THE REACTION TIME

TRIAL # TIME(secs)
1 0.23
2 0.24
3 0.23
4 0.23
5 0.23
TABLE 1.4: SHOWING THE TIME TAKEN FOR 50 OSCILLATIONS

TRIAL # TIME(± 0.23 secs)

1 19.77

2 19.63

3 19.65

4 19.71

5 19.68

TABLE 1.5: SHOWING THE MASS OF THE TWO STOPPERS

STOPPER # MASS (X10-3 Kg)±

(0.01 x10-3 )kg

M1 14.40

M2 99.90
Volume of a cuboid=L x W x H

For the meter rule= (4.90x10-2) m x (2.50x10-2) m x (1.20 x10-2) m

=14.70 x 10-6 m 3 ± 1.06 x 10-6 m3

For the Vernier caliper =(5.01x10-2) m x (2.54 x 10-2) m x (1.26 x 10-2) m

=16.03 x 10-6 m3 ± 2.22 x 10-6 m3

For micro meter screw gauge= Volume cannot be found

Volume of a solid cylinder= πr2h

For meter rule= π x (0.75 x 10-2)2 m x (2 x 10-2) m

=3.53 x 10-6 m3 ± 5.58 x 10-7 m3

For Vernier caliper= π x (0.78x 10-2)2 m x (2.14 x 10-2) m

=4.09 x 10-6 m3 ± 1.2 x 10-8 m3

For micro meter screw gauge = π x (0.78x 10-2)2 m x (2.14 x 10-2) m

=4.09 x 10-6 m3 ± 6.1 x 10-9 m3

Volume of hallow cylinder= π x h x (r12 –r22 )

For Vernier caliper= π x (2.32x 10-2) m x ((1.03 x 10-2)2 m – (0.77x 10-2)2 m)

=3.39 x 10-6 m3 ± 1.69 x 10-8 m3

For procedure 2:

Average reaction time=

∑ ofthe×taken
no . of trials

0.23 secs+0.24 secs+0.23 secs+0.23 secs+ 0.23 secs

=
5
 =0.23 secs

Average time =
∑ ofthe×taken
no . of trials

19.77 secs+19.63 secs+19.65 secs+19.71 secs +19.68 secs

=
5

=19.69 secs ±0.23 secs

Distance travelled = 2πr

But distance travelled by 50 revs= 2πr (50)

= 2π (0.25) (50)

=78.5 m

distance travelled
Velocity=
time taken

78.5 m
= = 3.98 ms-1
19.69 secs

mv²
Centripetal force, F=
r

0.0144 kg∗3.982 m/s

By using the mass of m1, F=
0.25 m

F= 0.912 N ± 0.026 N

BUT
F= mg (using mass of m2)

F= 0.0999 kg * 9.81

= 0.980 N

v2
Centripetal acceleration=
r

3.982
= 0.25

= 63.36 ms-2

Theoretical Centripetal Acceleration

F=ma

a=F/m

0.980
=
0.0999

= 9.8 ms-2

DISCUSSION:

A ruler is the most common instrument used in measuring as compared to the Vernier caliper

and micrometre screw gauge[ CITATION MJK00 \l 11273 ]. A vernier caliper is a measuring

device used to precisely measure linear dimensions. It is a very useful tool to use

when measuring the diameter of round objects like cylinders because the measuring jaws

can be secured on either side of the circumference. Vernier calipers have both a fixed main
scale and a moving vernier scale.The main scale is graduated in either millimetres or tenths

of an inch.  The vernier scale allows much more precise readings to be taken (usually to the

nearest 0.02mm in comparison to a standard ruler which only measures to the nearest

1mm.) The ruler however has a low precision since it has an associated error of 0.5 mm as

compared to the more precise 0.01mm Vernier caliper and the most precise 0.005 mm

micrometre screw gauge.The vernier caliper has the advantage of measuring external and

internal measurements such as: the diameters of the hallow cylinders compared to the

other two instruments. But there are the disadvantages of the backlash; the recoil related

with the moving parts of the mechanism but this is avoided by the locking mechanism to

keep it securely in sync to the dimensions being taken. The metre rule’s disadvantage is that

the ends of the ruler may become damaged and hence provide a zero error. This is where

the measuring instrument gives an inaccurate reading when its true value of a measured

quantity is zero. Hence, the ends of the metre rule were not used when taking

measurements.

The meter rule was the least reliable instrument used due to its large increments. Hence it

was unable to get decimal figures and there is a large error associated with it. With regards

to the micro meter screw gauge it was the most precise and accurate instrument used due

to its very small error, but is has a very small range. It is only able to measure very small

objects, as can be seen when it was used to find the length of the solid cuboid. From table

1.1 it is seen that the meter rule is the least accurate and precise and the screw gauge bring

the most accurate and precise.

As per Newtons third law of motion, the force that tends to act outward on the object in

radial direction is counter acted by a force with the same magnitude but acting in opposite
direction, i.e., radial towards the center. The acceleration due to this force is called as

Centripetal acceleration or radial acceleration and denoted as ar.

v2
ar= r

Therefore to determine centripetal acceleration in procedure 1, a graph of V 2 VS. R has to be

drawn. This is so because the gradient would provide the information and data needed to

calculate the centripetal acceleration.

All values where noted with the dimensions and the associated error of the measurement to

have both in the same notation because it shows the precision of the instruments and not

making the notation too confusing.

SOURCES OF ERROR:

(1) A magnifying glass was not used to read all measurements which may cause

inaccurate readings.

(2) Reaction time caused timing to be in consistent.

LIMITATIONS:
 (1) Vernier caliper cannot measure depth in holes less than 1/8" diameter.

(2) Micrometer screw guage has a measuring range of only 25mm,so larger objects

cannot be measured.

SUGGESTION FOR IMPROVEMENT:

(1) Take the measurements of the diameter and lengths at different positions of the

item and then find a mean value. This is due to the items having an inconsistent

shape.

CONCLUSION:

The meter rule is the least accurate and precise whilst the micro meter screw gauge was

found to be the most accurate and precise. The Vernier caliper was also found to be very

accurate and precise.

The centripetal force was found to be F= 0.912 N ± 0.026 N.

REFERENCES:

M.J.K.Thomas. 2000. Vogel's Textbook Of Quantitative Analysis .

Maraj, Susan. 2011. Chemistry for Cape.

2017/2018. PHYS 1221-Intro to Mechanics and Laboratory Manual. Department of Physics.