INTRODUCTION
PART A : LENGTH
The length of flat surfaces
can be determined using a metric ruler. Units are in centimeters.
The length of large round objects can be determined using a metric ruler
and string. The width of
small objects, and depth can be determined using a caliper. To read a
caliper locate the zero line
on the sliding scale along the top of the caliper, and read the number
directly below that zero line.
Units are usually in millimeters.
PART B : VOLUME
The volume of a LIQUID, such
as water, can be determined by simply pouring the liquid
into a graduated cylinder and reading the number. (NOTE - The water will
form a curve called
a meniscus at the surface. Look at the bottom edge of the curve when reading.
The units are
milliliters.
The volume of a REGULARLY-SHAPED SOLID,
such as a block of wood, can be
determined by using a ruler to measure its length, width, arid height
and multiplying them.
(L x W x H) The units are cubic centimeters.
The volume of an IRREGULARLY-SHAPED SOLID,
such as a metal cylinder can be
determined by water displacement in a graduated cylinder. Simply determine
how much
the water rises when the metal cylinder is added to the water. The units
are milliliters.
PART C : MASS
The mass of a solid, such as a
metal cylinder, can be determined using a balance.
Balances come in two primary forms: digital and mechanical. Whichever
balance you use
always be sure to ZERO the balance (scale must read 0 to begin with) before
using it.
For digital balances you simply place the
object to be weighed on the pan and read the
results. It should be pointed out the most digital balances have a variety
of scales (grams,
ounces, dynes, etc). Make sure that all measurements of mass in this lab
are completed
using grams.
For mechanical pan balances several steps
are required.
1. Before
using a pan balance, make sure it is balanced so the needle rests on the
line shown.
2. Place the
metal cylinder on the pan of the balance, and then slide the "riders"
to the
right
until the pan balance rests with the needle on the line.
(NOTE
- First move the 100's rider, and then the 10's rider.)
3.
Now use the round dial to determine the nearest whole unit, the nearest
tenth, and
the
nearest hundredth of a unit. Remember, the units are in grams.
The mass of a 1iquid, such as water, can
be determined using a pan balance and a plastic
beaker. Simply determine how much the mass of the beaker rises when the
water is added.
The units are grams.
PART D : TEMPERATURE
The temperature of a 1iquid,
such as water, can be determined using either a digital or a glass
thermometer. Whichever thermometer you use the measuring technique remains
the same: insert
the thermometer into the material to be measured and read the temperature
once the numbers
haven’t changed for at least 30 seconds. (NOTE - Keep the thermometer
in the material while
reading the temperature.)
To use a digital thermometer remove the
metal “tong” from its case, and insert it into the
material to be measured. The top of the digital thermometer has several
buttons with options for
ON/OFF and/or C0/F0. Select the appropriate buttons, wait the recommended
time, and make
the reading.
To use a glass thermometer place the bottom
(bulbed end) of the thermometer in the
material to be measured, wait the recommended time, and make the reading.
Glass thermometers
usually only have one scale on them so you must switch
thermometers to make the reading for the
other scale.
PART E: WEIGHT
The weight of a metal cube
can be determined by hanging it on a spring balance. Align the
face of scale before using. Determine the scale before recording. Hang
the cube from the spring
balance and hold it still for 10-15 seconds so the scale stops moving
before recording the weight.
Units are newtons (grams for most balances in the US).
PROCEDURE
PART A : LENGTH
Use a meter stick (large)
or a standard metric ruler (small) to measure various heights and
lengths around the room. The locations to be measured are marked off and
labeled. Complete
#1-9 in Part A.
Use a caliper to measure the width of small
round objects or to determine depth of a hole.
Complete #10-11 in Part A.
PART B : VOLUME
Use the graduated cylinder
to measure a specific amount of liquid (water). Add some water
to a small cup or beaker. Pour the water into the graduated cylinder and
complete #1 in Part B.
The unit used will be milliliters. Immediately return the water to the
cup or beaker to save for
Part C.
Use a metric ruler to measure the length,
width, and height of a block of wood (a regularly-
shaped object) in centimeters. Use the equation: L x W x H to determine
the volume of the block
in cubic centimeters. Complete #2 in Part B.
Use a graduated cylinder
with some water already in it to determine the volume of a metal
cylinder (irregularly-shaped object) by a process called water displacement.
The unit used will
be milliliters. Complete
#3 in Part B.
PART C : MASS
Use a digital balance to
determine the mass of a metal cylinder (solid) in grams. Remember
to zero the balance before each use. Place the cylinder on the balance
and complete #1 in Part C.
Use a digital balance and a cup or beaker to determine the mass of the
same water used in
Part B, #1. Complete #2 in Part C.
PART D : TEMPERATURE
Use a digital thermometer
to measure the temperature of a large container of water. Use the
buttons to switch the measurements from Fahrenheit to Celsius. Complete
#1 and #2 in Part D.
PART E: WEIGHT
Use a spring balance to measure
the weight of a metal cube. Be sure to zero the scale
before using the balance. Complete #1 in Part E.
EXTRA CREDIT:
Determine a method for measuring
an object such too small too accurate measure using
the common measuring techniques taught above. The two samples provided
are to determine
the volume of a single paper clip, and to determine the mass of a single
circle of paper.
Determine the density of the block of wood used in Part B #2, and of the
metal
cylinder used in Part B #3.