| measurements_in_physics_lab.doc |
Analysis:
1. Compare and contrast accuracy and precision. Consider how one could improve the accuracy of a measurement? the precision of a measurement?
Use a measuring tool with more precise tick marks for more precise readings. Using more consistent and stable tools and learning how to use the tool properly helps with accuracy.
2. Compare the number of significant figures in the calculations and measurements taken with the ruler to the measurements taken with the caliper and micrometer. Discuss the differences in precision of these instruments.
On the metric ruler the most significant figures you can have is to one decimal place, while the caliper and micrometer can be read to two or three decimal places. The more decimal places the more precise.
3. Compare your measurements and calculations with those of a classmate. Are they the same? Discuss sources of error in the accuracy of the measurements.
No they are different. We measured with a different aluminum block.
4. Which instrument is more precise, the metric ruler, micrometer or caliper?
The micrometer is more precise because it can be read to three decimal places and is more stable than the caliper and ruler.
