Measurements and Data Processing
Part I- Length
Directions:
1. You have been given 3 pieces of yarn. Measure each piece of yarn and record in table
1.
2. Complete the missing components of the data table (As indicated by the highlight).
Refer to your good graphs and tables checklist.
3. Answer the questions.
Tips:
● When measuring using a ruler, 1st make sure to use the metric units, not inches.
● Some rulers will have the measurements running all the way to the end of the ruler. Others will have a
small space between the 1st and last measurement and the ends of the ruler. You want to use the type
that don’t go all the way to the end. If you ONLY have the 1st type, do not start the measurement at 0.
Start at 1 cm and adjust your measurement accordingly. This is because over time the ends of the ruler get
worn down and less accurate.
Table 1: Yarn measurements divided by color___________________________
Caption: Different colors of yarn and their measurements on a centimeter scale
Color Of Yarn Length (cm ) Uncertainty
pink 10cm 0.5 millimeters
purple 10cm 0.5 millimeters
yellow 10cm 0.5 millimeters
Questions:
1. Calculate the mean length of the string.
The mean length of the string is 10
2. Identify at least 2 sources of error in this exercise.
Whether the measurement of the yarn is being rounded and if the yarns are being
measured when being idle or when stretched
Part II: Mass and Volume
Directions:
1. You have been provided with 3 samples of water. Measure the volume of each sample
and record in the data table below.
2. Find the mass of each sample and record in the data table below.
3. Complete the missing components of the data table (As indicated by the highlight).
Refer to your good graphs and tables checklist.
4. Using google sheets, create a graph of Volume vs. Mass. Be sure to include the
equation for the line of best fit and the R value. Past the graph in the indicated section
below.
5. Refer to your good graphs and tables checklist to make sure you have included all the
required components in the graph.
6. Answer the questions.
Tips:
1. When measuring mass, never place the substance to the
measure directly on the scale. Use a weigh boat or cup
provided. Make sure to hit the tare/zero button BEFORE adding the
substance. This will subtract out the mass of the container from the
mass of the sample.
2. When measuring volume you must make sure that the
graduated cylinder is flat on the lab bench. DO NOT hold it up in the air
to read.
3. When measuring volume using a glass graduated cylinder, due to the
unique properties of water the surface of the water will curve forming
a meniscus. Make sure you are at eye level with the water level and
read from the BOTTOM of the meniscus.
Table ( 2 ): Mass and volume of water __________________
Caption: calculating the mass and volume of different color waters.
Color Of Water Mass w/ uncertainty( g ) Volume w/ uncertainty(ml)
red 41.4 43 ml
green 16.8 18 ml
Blue 31.2 22ml
Graph:
Caption: A graph showing the difference in measure between mass and volume
Questions:
1. Comment on the goodness of fit of your trend line based on the calculated R-value.
My R-value is very close to 1 meaning I have a good line of fit
2. Determine the relationship between mass of water and volume of water using your
line of best fit.
1 g = 0.968 ml of water
3. In reality, 1 ml of pure water is equal to 1 g of water. Given this information identify at
least 2 sources of error in this exercise that may have led you to obtain a slightly
different relationship.
A source of error could be the water that stays in the measured cylinder after pouring
it not being taken into consideration when calculating for volume, another source of
error could be that we are not measuring completely pure water but rather water with
food dye which affects the mass
