Premium Essay

Physics Measurements Lab Report

In:

Submitted By operationivy
Words 725
Pages 3
Lab #1
Measurements
31 JAN 2013

Introduction

In this experiment we will explore measurements, the uncertainty of measurements and the effects of the uncertainties on the quantities calculated from the measured values.
In Part I: Reaction Time, we will measure reaction times by having one student drop a meter stick through the hands of a second student. The second student will grab hold of the meter stick when he perceives it to start moving. The starting distance will then be subtracted from the final distance and this will give us our total length that the meter stick dropped. This number will then be used in an equation to calculate the reaction time it took the second student to catch the meter stick.
In Part II: Density of Objects, we will pick a metal cylinder and measure its length using a meter stick. Based off our measurements we will estimate the uncertainty of each measurement. Then we will take diameter and length measurements of the same cylinder using a vernier caliper. Based off our measurements we will estimate the uncertainty of each measurement. Then we will use the balance to take measurements of the mass of the cylinder. Based off our measurements we will estimate the uncertainty of each measurement.

Data and Analysis

Part I: Reaction Time
Data: All pertinent data collected will be found on Data Sheet 1-2.
Analysis Part I: 1. The reaction times (t) were calculated using the equation __________________ where s = the distance that the meter stick falls, and g = the acceleration due to gravity (g = 981 cm/sec/sec). 2. The absolute error in each individual time was calculated using the average time (t-ave) subtracted by each individual time from trials 1-8. We took the average of these numbers and calculated the average absolute error in time to be ±0.0139 s. 1) To find the relative error we then take ±0.0139s

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Phsics

...Takako Hirokawa, Noah Finkelstein, and H. J. Lewandowski† Department of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309 (Dated: March 4, 2014) In response to national calls to better align physics laboratory courses with the way physicists engage in research, we have developed an epistemology and expectations survey to assess how students perceive the nature of physics experiments in the contexts of laboratory courses and the professional research laboratory. The Colorado Learning Attitudes about Science Survey for Experimental Physics (E-CLASS) evaluates students’ shifts in epistemology and affect at the beginning and end of a semester. Also, at the end of the semester, the E-CLASS assesses students’ reflections on their course’s expectations for earning a good grade. By basing survey statements on widely embraced learning goals and common critiques of teaching labs, the E-CLASS serves as an assessment tool for lab courses across the undergraduate curriculum and as a tool for PER research. We present the development, evidence of validation, and initial formative assessment results from a sample that includes 45 classes at 20 institutions. We also discuss feedback from instructors and reflect on the challenges of large-scale online administration and distribution of results. I. INTRODUCTION Laboratory courses offer significant opportunities for engagement in the practices and core ideas of science. Laboratory course environments typically have apparatus, flexible...

Words: 9395 - Pages: 38

Free Essay

Research Paper

...Lab Research Report SCI 110 January 27, 2014 Strayer University Lab Research Report Research in the physical sciences has often been limited by our abilities of safety observing and studying the phenomenon in question. Even before the thought of microscopes, it would have been impossible to comprehend the composition of the most basic cells. The exact issues are the current issues in the field of physical science today, but it’s particularly true in the world of physics. While new technologies exist to measure phenomenon, it is not always safe to do so in the field that deals with radiation, unstable compounds, particles and atoms. As a result, the technology that we have in the field of physics, but across the board in the physical science field of astronomy, chemistry, physics and earth science. Challenges in Measurements Over the years there have been many adventures that allow for direct measurements within the field of physics, there are still many obstacles and challenges to making direct observations. Physics is the study of energy and matter and the interaction between-both of which are impossible to observe with the naked eye. The first major challenge in making direct measurement in physics is the size of the particles being studied. To solve this issue, physicists study these particles indirectly through things like associated radiation, their energy, or the displacement of other atoms. Almost all measurements that have been made on atoms or...

Words: 1253 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Physics Lab (Atwoods Machine)

...Phvsics Lab Report Format (Sample Report Attached) General Remarks: Writing a lab report is the only way your TA will know what you have done during the lab and how well you have understood the process and the results. Part of your lab experience should be learning how to organize and present your work in a scientific way. There is no framework that can be used as a "one size fits all", therefore this sample lab report should only be used as an example. Any lab report should have the following features: o It should be concise but should also contain the necessary details and well-developed explanations. It should be organized. You should enable the reader to quickly find the information he or she may be interested in. It should contain all the relevant information and reasoning. You should enable the reader to validate your conclusion. A possible way to achieve this is using the following framework: o o . o o o o . Obiective: State what you want to achieve in this experiment A formal way to do this is to state a question or hypothesis that you want to address. Method: You should include a summary of the lab procedure in your words; do not merely copy what is in the manual. This section should demonstrate your understanding of what exactly you measured and how you measured it. Data: In this section you should include the raw data you measured; generally, an estimate of the error should accompany all measured values. Be sure to present...

Words: 1506 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Physics Lab Report Guidelines

...Laboratory  Report  Guidelines       Ryerson  University  Department  of  Physics     Writing  a  strong  lab  report  is  a  skill  that  often  takes  significant  practice.       Strong  reports  are:     • structured  in  a  clear  and  organized  fashion.   • as  concise  as  possible,  and  yet  sufficiently  detailed  that  it  does  not  omit  any   of  the  information  required  to  fully  communicate  your  work  and  results.     Ideally,  a  lab  report  leaves  any  reader  confident  in  the  validity  of  the  results,  and   with  enough  information  that  they  could  repeat  the  experiment.     The  evaluation  of  your  report  will  be  based  on  your  ability  to  understand  the  goal  of   the  experiment,  your  understanding  of  the  applicable  physical  principles,  your   ability  to  perform  the  experiment  attentively,  and  your  ability  to  clearly   communicate  its  results  in  a  logical  and  coherent  fashion.       Report  contents:       1.  Title  Page     2.  Objective...

Words: 1869 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Project

...Week 3 Lab Research Report 1 Ciera M. Jimerson Professor Alisha A. Etheredge SCI-110 October 27, 2013 Once it was impossible to understand the composition of the smallest basic cells, until the invention of microscopes. Even with the tools that exist it is not always possible to safely do in a field that deals with atoms, particles, radiation, and unstable compounds. The technology in the area of physical science makes it very important on how much is learned and studied in the fields of astronomy, chemistry, physics and even earth sciences. There have been many advances that allow for direct measurements in the field of physics, there are many obstacles and challenges to making direct observations in many circumstances. Physics is the study of energy, matter and the interaction between the two, which are impossible to observe with the naked eye. One common thing the field studies is energy creation to non-particles, all of the most recent discoveries in subatomic particles and the origins of the universe have all creative methods to study things that are extremely tiny. This would be the first major challenge to making direct measurements in physics. To avoid this problem, physicist usually studies these particles indirectly through things like associated radiation, energy, or the displacement of other atoms and/or compounds. Every measurement made on atoms or subatomic particles has caused indirect measurements (Kross). There are certain measurement tools whose...

Words: 744 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Up1 Lab 1 Report

...University of West Florida Department of Physics PHY 2053L University Physics I Lab Section: 81419 Lab Report Number: 1 Lab Title: Meaning of Measurement Name: Group Members: Date: 8/27/2014 PURPOSE: Learn the basics of measurement and statistical analysis in context of volume and density. EQUIPMENT: Three different geometric solids: 1 identified as white cylinder, 1 identified as brass-colored cylinder, 1 identified as silver-colored sphere. Meter stick (wooden, displaying measurements in cm) Analog scale (zero-ed prior to experiment) Manual caliper Digital caliper (zero-ed prior to each measurement) PRINCIPLE: This lab is intended to reinforce the importance of using proper techniques to attain precise measurements. It further demonstrates that reliability of results from different measuring devices. In this experiment, the most rudimentary measuring tool was the meter stick followed by the manual caliper and then the digital caliper. Measuring each object five times should reinforce the different interpretations of team members as well as the variance between the different tools used to measure the objects. In addition to measuring the length, width and height of each object, the mass was attained through the use of an analog scale. While a digital scale would have shown a more precise measurement, the analog scale was a more appropriate tool with the meter stick and manual caliper as the significant figures produced by each ...

Words: 2123 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Rtrete

...No. Information on Every Subject 1. Unit Name: Physics I 2. Code: FHSP1014 3. Classification: Major 4. Credit Value: 4 5. Trimester/Year Offered: 1/1 6. Pre-requisite (if any): No 7. Mode of Delivery: Lecture, Tutorial, Practical 8. Assessment System and Breakdown of Marks: Continuous assessment: 50% - Theoretical Assessment (Tests/Quizzes/Case Studies) (30%) - Practical Assessment (Lab reports/Lab tests) (20%) Final Examination 9. 10. 50% Academic Staff Teaching Unit: Objective of Unit: The aims of this course are to enable students to: • appreciate the important role of physics in biology. • elucidate the basic principles in introductory physics enveloping mechanics, motion, properties of matter and heat. • resolve and interpret quantitative and qualitative problems in an analytical manner. • acquire an overall perspective of the inter-relationship between the various topics covered and their applications to the real world. • acquire laboratory skills including the proper handling and use of laboratory apparatus and materials. 11. Learning Outcome of Unit: At the end of the course, students will be able to: 1. Identify and practice the use of units and dimensional analysis, uncertainty significant figures and vectors analysis. 2. Apply and solve problems related to translational and rotational kinematics and dynamics in one and two dimensions. 3. Apply and solve problems related to the...

Words: 765 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Physics

...No. Information on Every Subject 1. Unit Name: Physics I 2. Code: FHSP1014 3. Classification: Major 4. Credit Value: 4 5. Trimester/Year Offered: 1/1 6. Pre-requisite (if any): No 7. Mode of Delivery: Lecture, Tutorial, Practical 8. Assessment System and Breakdown of Marks: Continuous assessment: 50% - Theoretical Assessment (Tests/Quizzes/Case Studies) (30%) - Practical Assessment (Lab reports/Lab tests) (20%) Final Examination 9. 10. 50% Academic Staff Teaching Unit: Objective of Unit: The aims of this course are to enable students to: • appreciate the important role of physics in biology. • elucidate the basic principles in introductory physics enveloping mechanics, motion, properties of matter and heat. • resolve and interpret quantitative and qualitative problems in an analytical manner. • acquire an overall perspective of the inter-relationship between the various topics covered and their applications to the real world. • acquire laboratory skills including the proper handling and use of laboratory apparatus and materials. 11. Learning Outcome of Unit: At the end of the course, students will be able to: 1. Identify and practice the use of units and dimensional analysis, uncertainty significant figures and vectors analysis. 2. Apply and solve problems related to translational and rotational kinematics and dynamics in one and two dimensions. 3. Apply and solve problems related to the...

Words: 765 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Business

...individual report for physics. the individual report has 4 parts, which are Essence, Analysis, Conclution, and Expansion. I upload three files, one of them is the instructions that show how to write the individual report, this can help you to write the conclution and the Essence, and the other one is related to the group activity, this can help you to write the analysis and the expansion.the third one is the group activity that has all the informations that can help you to write the individual. Takoda Bingham Salem Alajmi Porter Lewis Particle equilibrium Objective: To examine the condition for static equilibrium of a particle. Theory: If the net force on a body is zero then it will not accelerate. If it’s at rest it has static equilibrium. If an unbalanced force acts on a body it will be accelerated. When unbalanced the particle can achieve its equilibrium by having a force that is applied that has an equal magnitude and is in the opposite direction. Procedure: 1. Attach 100 g (1.0 N) at 0 degrees and 100 g (1.0 N) at 270 degrees on the force table. Zero force probe and pull the third string until the ring is center and read angle and force. Repeat 2 more times. 2. Move the 270 degree weight to 240 degrees and measure the angle and force. Repeat 2 more times. Then add 1 N to the mass holder at 240 degrees and repeat the measurements. 3. Leave on weight holder at 0 degrees, pick a second angle between 270 and 360 degrees using 2 weights of your choosing. Repeat the measurement Data:...

Words: 996 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Lab Report

...MEASUREMENT OF LENGTH: VERNIER CALIPER AND MICROMETER CALIPER A. L. P. Libera, N. C. Lindog, A. D. T. Manlagnit, M. L. C. G. Marasigan, J. F. R. Marquez, J. M. M. Mendones College of Engineering, Adamson University Abstract THIS LABORATORY REPORT PRESENTS THE ACCURACY OF MEASUREMENTS USING THE CALIPER. THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THIS LABORATORY ACTIVITY WAS TO BE ABLE FOR THE STUDENTS TO FAMILIARIZE ON HOW TO USE THE CALIPERS AS INSTRUMENTS FOR MEASURING PURPOSES. ANOTHER PURPOSE OF THIS EXPERIMENT IS TO RETAIN OR MINIMIZE THE PERCENTAGE ERROR AND PERCENTAGE DIFFERENCE OF THE PREVIOUS ACTIVITY TO SHOW THAT INSTRUMENTS USED FOR MEASURING ARE MORE ACCURATE. 1. INTRODUCTION The goal of physics is to provide an understanding of nature. The science of physics was developed to explain our physical environment.  In no subject does measurement play as important a role as in science. Real science cannot exist without measurement. Calculating accuracy reveals how close a set of measurements are to an accepted reference or true value. This differs from precision, which describes how close the measurements are to each other. Determining the accuracy of a measurement usually requires calibration of the analytical method with a known standard. Accuracy in measuring is knowing the  smallest reading that can be accurately measured while using an instrument or a device. The two common instruments used in measuring that increase the accuracy are...

Words: 1080 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Random

...AP Physics Lab Reports 1. All lab reporting will be done on binder paper or graph paper as the lab is being conducted. You may use the front and back of each page. If you want to delete something, simply cross it out. All work should be neat and legible. 2. Prepare as much as possible prior to the actual lab day (such as title, problem or purpose, materials, and background information) ---just to give you more time to work with the equipment. 3. October 12, 2014 Jamie Smith P1 Partners: Roy Rogers Dale Evans October 12, 2014 Jamie Smith P1 Partners: Roy Rogers Dale Evans In the upper corner of the first page of each lab, write your name, the date, period, and names of lab partner(s). Example: 4. Give your lab a title. (Creativity is appreciated, but a subtitle should be more descriptive of the procedure.) Example: “Shooting Hoops” (Projectile Motion to a Raised Target) 5. State the problem or purpose of the lab. Example: Purpose: To determine the air drag coefficient for a falling coffee filter. 6. List the materials needed. 7. Provide a brief description of the procedure and/or diagram of the set-up. A labeled diagram is often the quickest and easiest way to do this. 8. Provide a background with necessary equations, derivations of equations, safety comments, and notes about procedure that will reduce error….anything that is important in preparing, setting up...

Words: 572 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Astro

...Shahriar Abachi sabachi@csulb.edu Physics & Astronomy ASTR 100L ASTRONOMY LAB Sec 02: M 11:00–1:45 & Sec 06: Tu 2–4:45 OFFICE HOURS: W 2:50–3:20, 4:50–5:30 HSCI-272a COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course comprises an introduction to techniques of Astronomical measurement and analysis of Astronomical data. Emphasis will be on understanding how scientific knowledge is constructed, i.e. answering the question: how do we know about the universe? Students will perform hands-on measurements, observations, and exercises in data analysis relating to the solar system, stars, galaxies, large-scale structure of the universe, and cosmology. REQUIRED TEXT: Astronomy Lab Manual, Kim Gordon, 4th edition REQUIRED MATERIALS: Notebook, Scantron forms (882E, ES), scientific calculator GRADES: The following provides the areas that grades will be assigned for the class: Each Lab Reports Final exam Quizzes 20 points – for a total of 240 points 80 points – consisting of 15–30 multiple choice questions 50 points Grand Total 370 points LETTER GRADES: A(330–370), B(300–329), C(270–299), D(240–269) QUIZZES: A Quiz is given at the beginning of each session asking you about the Lab of that day. GENERAL RULES: Eleven Lab sessions are planned. Preparation, on-time arrival, presence, participation, and lab reports are required. Late arrival or lack of participation may result in a 10%–50% reduction in grade or a zero for that lab or even more serious consequences....

Words: 1215 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Calculating Margin of Error

...types of errors that occur in the processes of taking measurements. Also, it explains how the uncertainty level in direct measurements was found, and how the indirect measurements were calculated as well. To do that, dimensions and the mass of the metal block was measured, which were used to calculate the volume and density of the object as well as the margin of error. Theory In this lab, there were direct and indirection measurements involved, and several calculations were required in order to calculate the related variables. In part A of this lab, apparent and actual height of the wooden block was recorded with a meter stick. The meter stick has an accuracy of ±0.05 cm and no other calculations were needed. [1] Parallax is the change in the apparent position of an object when the position of the observed changes. It is also a common error in scientific experiments. One must be aware of its existence at all time so that it can be avoided and as a result the true value of the reading is obtained. Due to parallax, the position of the observed block appears to change as well, making the height of the block appear to be different for each measurement. In part B of this lab, measurements were recorded indirectly. A meter stick was used to measure the length of the metal block, with an accuracy of ±0.05 mm. Then the width and height was measured with a caliper with an accuracy of ±0.05 mm. These measurements were taken to calculate the volume of the metal block...

Words: 2757 - Pages: 12

Free Essay

Free Fall

...Lab Report- Calculate and Prove the Acceleration Due to Gravity David Chen Introduction: We know that the acceleration due to gravity on the earth is 9.8ms -2. This acceleration is very important since we can use it to calculate gravity force, mass, and so on. In this lab, we use a free fall object to calculate its acceleration due to gravity to check if it is 9.8ms-2. We use the acceleration formula a=V2-V1t2-t1 to calculate the acceleration. Hypothesis: The acceleration due to gravity on the earth is 9.8ms -2. So in this lab, the acceleration in the result should also be 9.8ms-2 since the object experiences the free fall on the earth. Diagram: Free fall object diagram Free fall object diagram Motion detector Motion detector 1 meter 1 meter Point 2(V2 T2) Point 2(V2 T2) Point 1(V1 T1) Point 1(V1 T1) Free fall object Free fall object Method: In this lab, we used a motion detector to measure the velocities and times of the falling object. The range of the motion detector is one meter, so we have to drop the object from one meter above the ground. So to make the result more accurate, first we placed the motion detector on the top of the metal ring which is approximately one meter above the ground. After that we held the object under the motion detector. Then we started the motion detector and dropped the object at the same time. At last we observed the data in the computer provided by the motion detector. We chose two points which the falling object...

Words: 1204 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Lab Research Report 1: Procedures in the Physical Sciences

...Lab Research Report 1: Procedures in the Physical Sciences Rhoda H. Jefferson Professor Cassie Prisco Introduction to Physical Science November 2, 2013 The specific challenges to making direct measurements in the fields of astronomy, chemistry, physics, or earth science are measuring global warming and climate changes, measuring how the earth rotates on its axis, and measuring the distance from the earth to the stars. Scientist have had these issues for a number of years but overcome using indirect forms to measure these challenges. For global warming, scientist used a 350-year record of precipitation in California determined by using 52 tree ring chronologies as proxies for precipitation. (www.geosociety.org/gsatoday/archive/11/12/pdf/i1052-5173-11-12-41.pdf) This method was used to determine average annual precipitation, which showed extended dry periods. These methods were not 100% because there were no baselines to compare. In this day and time to obtain a temperature that represents a large area, it requires measurements of multiple locations. Measurements are taken by thermometers, and averaged together, this can aide in determining regional trends. (http://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/taking-the-earths-temperature) Another challenge that scientist come up against is measuring how the earth rotates on its axis. When the earth rotates on its axis, it fluctuates in relation to space. This is caused by the gravity from the sun and the moon...

Words: 429 - Pages: 2