Discussion: You are going to make many measurements this semester, and maybe even in your career. It is important that you learn to make your own accurate, unbiased measurements. Do not simply reproduce your lab partners' measurements. If there really is a large difference, you should make a genuine effort to find the source of error. The meaning of 'large difference' and 'small difference' will vary with each measurement, and it is generally your responsibility to decide how much of a difference is acceptable.

Procedure:

1. Use a ruler to measure the length L and width W of this 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper in centimeters (cm), to the nearest 0.1 cm. Convert to meters (m). (Note that 10² cm = 1 m.) Calculate the area A = LW in cm² and m². (Note that 10⁴ cm² = 1 m².)

2. Use a ruler to draw a line segment with a length of your choice (10-20 cm). Please be original, don't repeat someone else's length. Label the line segment.

3. Use a protractor to measure the angle drawn on your page. Your measurement should be to the nearest degree (e. g. 57°).

4. Use a protractor to draw an angle of your choice between 0° and 90°. Please be original, don't repeat someone else's angle.  Label the angle.

5. Use a vernier caliper to measure the length L, width W, and height H of the rectangular wooden block. Write these in both cm and m. Calculate the volume V = LWH in both cm³ and m³. (Note that 10⁶ cm³ = 1 m³.)

6. Use a vernier caliper to measure the height H and diameter D of the wooden cylinder. Calculate the radius r = D/2. Write these in both cm and m. Calculate the area of the circular face A = pr² in both cm² and m². Calculate the volume V = AH in both cm³ and m³.

7. Use a triple beam balance to determine the mass m of the wooden block and cylinder. Write these in both grams (g) and kilograms (kg). (Note that 10³ g = 1 kg.) Calculate the density r (Greek letter "rho", pronounced like "row") of each block. r = m/V.  The densities should be written in both g/cm³ and kg/m³. (Note that 1 g/cm³ = 10³ kg/m³.)

8. Use a timer to time one small swing of a pendulum. Repeat this 3 times. Now time 20 complete swings (non-stop), and divide this total time by 20. (Make sure you really time 20 swings, not 19!) Is this a better method for determining the "period" of the pendulum?

9. Carefully hold a thermometer in your hand, and read the temperature in degrees Celsius (°C).

10. Obtain a small test tube. For each of the following items, specify what quantities you need to measure and how you will use these quantities to determine your answer.