Physics 71.1, 2nd Semester, A.Y.

2020-2021

Determination of measurements and degrees of error: Measuring

the certain and the uncertainties
Measurements and Uncertainty
Experiment No. 1

Marvince Araneta1, Mary Christie Espinosa1, Dawn Angelie Luansing1, and Vince Erick Reyes1*

Department of Physical Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
*

1. INTRODUCTION
Measurement is the appointment of numbers to a magnitude and is also known to be the experimental
estimation of a measurable property; involving the subject to be measured, the measuring tool, and the
environment by which the subject and the tools are in which are factors that affect the resulting measurement.
Indicated readings from the measuring instrument are corrected and reported as measurement outcomes, which
shows the number taken from the instrument indications and unit of the subject being measured, as well as the
estimated uncertainty as a result of the environment and various random and systematic errors (Tal, 2015).
As stated, measurement is an ‘estimation’ or an ‘approximation’ as the values garnered from
measuring is uncertain. This uncertainty can be attributed to the ability of a person to measure, as well as to the
measuring instrument (Tipler & Mosca, 2007). Uncertainty is said to be the ‘doubt’ in the outcome of the
measurement which is represented by an interval of finite values or with the use of significant figures and is an
intrinsic part in every measurement (Fornasini, 2008).
As uncertainty is taken to account, the accuracy or the closeness of the measured value to the ‘actual’
value also increases, which reduces the error and implies that the approximate results generated from the
measurement are true to a certain percentage and the actual value is in the specified interval (Young et al.,
2012). In relation to measurements, precision, which refers to the closeness of several measured values to one
another, would also infer lower uncertainty (Accuracy, Precision and Uncertainty, 2017).
This experiment aims to record and report measurements accurately and precisely in both fundamental
and derived units; calculate, apply, and take uncertainty into account, as well as analyze errors in the
measurements and identify where these uncertainties and errors can be attributed to.

2. METHODS

A. Materials
The experiment is partitioned into two phases with each activity aimed to test and practice the art of
determining measurements and to explore the concepts of accuracy and precision.
For the first experiment, a procedure sheet and prepared tables of values were utilized. Furthermore,
the materials simulated and described in the procedure sheet are the following: a micrometer caliper, a vernier
caliper, a platform balance, a metal block, and a ring.
For the second experiment, three different rectangular objects were used, specifically, a book, a box,
and a picture frame. Moreover, the measuring instrument used was ruler.
B. Methods
The First Experiment
The procedure sheet for the first experiment was divided into two set-ups. The process is described as follows:
For the first set-up, the length, width, and height of a metal block was determined using a micrometer caliper.
In case of an uncertain figure, a reasonable estimate was made. The procedure was repeated and values from
both trials were recorded. The recorded values provided were then used to compute the volume, average
volume, deviation, and average deviation from the mean using the established formulae.
After that, the mass of the metal block was measured and recorded through using a platform balance in
three trials. The provided recorded values were then used to compute the average mass, deviation, and average
deviation from the mean using known formulae. Lastly, the density of the metal block was determined using
the computed mass and volume.
Meanwhile, for the second set-up, the inner diameter, outer diameter, and height of a ring was
measured using a vernier caliper. The process was completed three times and each trial was recorded. Using
the provided acquired measurements, the volume, volume average, deviation, and average deviation from the
mean were computed using known formulae.
Afterwards, the mass of the ring was determined through three trials using a platform balance. The
provided record of measurements was then used to compute the average mass, deviation, and average deviation
from the mean using the appropriate formulae. Finally, the density of the ring was determined using the
computed mass and volume.

The Second Experiment

Using a centimeter ruler, the length, width, and height of a book was measured. The process was repeated up to
three trials and each measurement was recorded. Following this, the average dimensions of the object with
uncertainties were computed. The same process was employed for the box and the picture frame. Afterwards,
the volume and surface area of the three objects were computed using the obtained values and established
formulae while taking note of the uncertainties.

Figure 1. First trial of measuring the width of a book. Figure 2. First trial of measuring the length of a book.

Figure 3. First trial of measuring the height of a book. Figure 4. Second trial of measuring the width of a
book.
 Figure 5. Second trial of measuring the length of a Figure 6. Second trial of measuring the height of a
book. book.

Figure 7. Third trial of measuring the width of a book. Figure 8. Third trial of measuring the length of a book.

Figure 9. Third trial of measuring the height of a book. Figure 10. First trial of measuring the width of a box.

Figure 11. First trial of measuring the length of a box. Figure 12. First trial of measuring the height of a box.
Figure 13. Second trial of measuring the width of a Figure 14. Second trial of measuring the length of a
box. box.

Figure 15. Second trial of measuring the height of a Figure 16. Third trial of measuring the width of a box.
box.

Figure 17. Third trial of measuring the length of a box. Figure 18. Third trial of measuring the height of a box.

Figure 19. First trial of measuring the width of a Figure 20. First trial of measuring the length of a
picture frame. picture frame.
Figure 21. First trial of measuring the height of a Figure 22. Second trial of measuring the width of a
picture frame. picture frame.

Figure 23. Second trial of measuring the length of a Figure 24. Second trial of measuring the height of a
picture frame. picture frame.

Figure 25. Third trial of measuring the width of a Figure 26. Third trial of measuring the length of a
picture frame. picture frame.

Figure 27. Third trial of measuring the height of a

picture frame.
3. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

Measurements are not absolute due to the uncertainties associated with it, which could be attributed to a wide
array of different type of errors. In this experiment, objects are determined of its measurements and are
reported with its estimated uncertainties as to use it to describe physical phenomena by deriving physical
quantities from these measurements.

Table 1. Ruler measurements of the metal block

Trials Length (cm) Width (cm) Height (cm) Volume (cm3) Deviation (cm3)
1 2.508 0.648 0.320 0.520 0.002
2 2.510 0.648 0.316 0.514 0.004
3 2.514 0.650 0.318 0.520 0.002
Average Ave. = 0.518 ADM = 0.003

Table 1 shows the dimensions of the metal block (in cm) under three trials of measurement using a
ruler, which allowed for the determination of its volume. The metal block in this experiment is a rectangular
cuboid hence, its volume is computed through its length, width and height using the formula:

𝑉 = 𝑙𝑤ℎ (1)

Where V is volume, l is length, w is width, and h is height. The volume computed from each trial give a
precision better than 0.01 cm3, exhibiting high precision of the measurements done. These were averaged to
get the experimental volume of the metal block (𝑉𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 ), which was found to be 0.518 cm3. The average
deviation of the individual volumes from the average volume were also determined using the formula:
∑|𝑥𝑖 − 𝑥|
𝐴𝐷𝑀 = (2)
𝑛
Where 𝑥𝑖 is the ith measurement of n measurements taken and 𝑥 is the mean of the measurements taken. The
absolute value property in this formula is used to show how variable the magnitude of calculated volumes from
the average value, regardless of its sign. As observed from the individual deviations which range from 0.002
cm3 to 0.004 cm3, the measurements were not significantly different from the average volume, exhibiting high
accuracy. The average deviation from the mean (𝐴𝐷𝑀𝑉𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 ) was calculated to be 0.003 cm3. Given the
estimated uncertainty, the volume of the rectangular block is reported to be 𝟎. 𝟓𝟏𝟖 ± 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟑 𝒄𝒎𝟑

Table 2. Mass measurements of the metal block

Trials Mass (g) Deviation (g)
1 0.314 0.001
2 0.314 0.001
3 0.316 0.001
Average Ave. = 0.315 ADM = 0.001

Table 2 shows the dimensions of the metal block (in grams) under three trials of measurement using a
platform balance. Mass measurements obtained were of high precision as it gives a precision better than 0.01
g. The experimental mass of the metal block (𝑚𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 ), computed as the mean of the mass measurements, was
determined to be 0.315 g.
Deviations of individual mass measurements were determined from the mean mass using Equation 1.
Individual deviation of the three measurements were all similarly 0.001 g, which is a very minimal deviation
from the mean deeming the measurements to be very accurate. The average deviation from the mean
(𝐴𝐷𝑀𝑚𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 ) was computed to be 0.001 g, hence the mass of the block is reported 𝟎. 𝟑𝟏𝟓 ± 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟏 𝒈.
Given the mass and the volume of the metal block, its density can be calculated using the formula:

(3)
 𝑚
𝜌=
𝑉
Where 𝜌 is density, 𝑚 is mass, and 𝑉 is volume. Taking into the account the absolute uncertainties associated
with the mass and volume measurements, each were converted to percent uncertainties by the formula:
∆𝑥 ∆𝑦
( × 100%) + ( × 100%)
𝑥 𝑦
Where 𝑥 and 𝑦 are two quantities measured with uncertainties ∆𝑥 and ∆𝑦, respectively, which in this case, the
mass and volume measurements when the operation done between them is division. The conversion of
absolute to percent uncertainties allows to derive at a single estimated uncertainty for the physical quantity to
be computed, which is density in this case. After arriving at a single percent uncertainty for density, it is
converted back to absolute uncertainty by multiplying it with the operated measurement value. Doing this for
𝒈
the metal block, its density was found to be 𝟎. 𝟔𝟎𝟖 ± 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟓 𝟑 .
𝒄𝒎

Table 3. Vernier caliper measurements of the ring

Inner Diameter Outer Diameter
Trials Height (cm) Volume (cm3) Deviation (cm3)
(cm) (cm)
1 2.840 3.246 1.286 2.496 0.017
2 2.822 3.246 1.270 2.566 0.053
3 2.844 3.246 1.288 2.477 0.036
Average Ave. = 2.513 ADM = 0.035

Table 3 shows the dimensions of the ring (in cm) under three trials of measurement using a vernier
caliper, which allowed for the determination of its volume. The ring, as cylindrical in nature, would have its
volume to be calculated using the formula:
𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ
Due to the hollow space inside a ring, two measurements of volumes have to be considered, one
measured from the outer side of the ring and another from the inner side of the ring. By subtracting the volume
of the inner ring from the outer ring, the volume of the actual ring can be determined. Modifying the formula
for the volume for a cylinder, we use the equation:
𝑉 = 𝜋𝑅2 ℎ − 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ = 𝜋ℎ(𝑅2 − 𝑟 2 )

𝐷 2 𝑑 2
𝑉 = 𝜋ℎ (( ) − ( ) ) (4)
2 2

Where 𝑟 is the inner radius, 𝑅 is the outer radius, 𝑑 is the inner diameter, and 𝐷 is the outer diameter. The
property of the radius being half of the diameter of a circle was used in Equation 4 as measurements that can
be done in a ring using the vernier caliper is limited to its diameter. The volume computed from each trial only
give a precision better than 0.1 cm3, exhibiting low precision of the measurements done. The experimental
volume of the ring (𝑉𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 ), computed from the average of the three individual volumes, was found to be 2.513
cm3.
Using Equation 2, the obtained individual deviations which range from 0.017 cm3 to 0.053 cm3 can be
said to exhibit a low accuracy when compared from the average volume of the ring. The average deviation
from the volume (𝐴𝐷𝑀𝑉𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 ) was calculated to be 0.035 cm3. Given the estimated uncertainty, the volume of
the ring is reported to be 𝟎. 𝟓𝟏𝟖 ± 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟑 𝒄𝒎𝟑 . The lower precision and accuracy of the measurements can
be attributed to the significant difference of Trial 2 measurements for the inner diameter and height as
compared with the Trial 1 and Trial 3 measurements which may be a result of operator errors or incorrect
measurement reading.
Table 4. Mass measurements of the ring
Trials Mass (g) Deviation (g)
1 1.286 0.005
2 1.270 0.011
3 1.288 0.007
Average Ave. = 1.281 ADM = 0.008

Table 4 shows the dimensions of the ring (in grams) under three trials of measurement using a
platform balance. Mass measurements obtained only give a precision better than 0.1 g which exhibit fairly low
precision. The experimental mass of the ring (𝑚𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 ), determined as the average of individual measurements,
is computed to be 1.281 g.
Using Equation 2, individual deviation of measurements from the three trials which range from 0.005
g to 0.011 g showed small deviation from the mean, deeming the measurements to be fairly accurate. The
average deviation from the mean (𝐴𝐷𝑀𝑚𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 ) was calculated to be 0.008 g, hence the mass of the block is
reported to be 𝟏. 𝟐𝟖𝟏 ± 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟖 𝒈. The fairly low precision can be attributed to the significant difference of
Trial 2 measurements as compared with the Trial 1 and Trial 3 measurements which may be a result of
operator errors or incorrect measurement reading.
Given the mass and volume measurements, including its estimated uncertainties, the density of the
𝑔 𝒌𝒈
ring calculated using Equation 3 is found to be 0.51 ± 0.01 𝑐𝑚3 which is equivalent to 𝟓𝟏𝟎 ± 𝟏𝟎 𝒎𝟑 when
expressed in kg/m3.
Table 5. Ruler measurements of the three rectangular objects
Length (cm) Width (cm) Height (cm)
Object
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
Book 20.80 20.80 20.90 13.70 13.80 13.80 1.80 1.90 1.80
Box 16.50 16.50 16.40 12.00 12.20 12.10 6.80 6.90 6.70
Picture
18.00 18.10 18.00 13.00 12.90 13.00 0.80 1.00 1.00
Frame

Table 5 shows the dimensions of the three objects: a) book, b) box, and c) picture frame under three
trials of measurement using a ruler. The values for the length, width, and height for these objects were only
precise up to 0.1 cm as the ruler is incremented in units of centimeters (cm) wherein the smallest scale division
is a tenth of a centimeter.

Table 6. Average measurements of the three rectangular objects

Object Length (cm) Width (cm) Height (cm)
Book 20.83 ± 0.05 13.76 ± 0.05 1.83 ± 0.05
Box 16.47 ± 0.05 12.10 ± 0.05 6.80 ± 0.05
Picture Frame 18.03 ± 0.05 12.97± 0.05 0.93 ± 0.05

Table 6 shows the average measurements of the three objects: a) book, b) box, and c) picture frame
under three trials of measurement using a ruler. From the three trials, the length, width, and height were
averaged. Due to the limitation of the ruler as a measuring device, the uncertainty ∆𝑥 is determined as half of
the smallest increment of the measuring device, which in the case of the ruler, equal to 0.05 cm uncertainty
(Davis, n,d,). This uncertainty is reported along with the average measurements.
Table 7. Volume and total surface area of the three rectangular objects
Object Volume (cm3) Total Surface Area (cm2)
Book 525 ± 20 700 ± 8
Box 1 355 ± 20 787 ± 6
Picture Frame 217 ± 10 526 ± 8

Table 7 shows the volume and surface area of the three objects. Given that all three objects were
rectangular cuboids, volume was calculated using Equation 1. The volume of the book, box, and picture frame
is reported to be a) 𝟓𝟐𝟓 ± 𝟐𝟎 𝒄𝒎𝟑, b) 𝟏 𝟑𝟓𝟓 ± 𝟐𝟎 𝒄𝒎𝟑 , and c) 𝟐𝟏𝟕 ± 𝟏𝟎 𝒄𝒎𝟑 respectively.
Given the nature of the objects as rectangular cuboids, all of its six flat faces are rectangles. Using the
known length, width, and height measurements of the three objects, the surface area is calculated using the
formula:
𝐴 = 2(𝑙𝑤 + 𝑙ℎ + 𝑤ℎ) (5)
Where A is surface area, l is length, w is width, and h is height. The surface area of the book, box, and picture
frame is reported to be a) 𝟕𝟎𝟎 ± 𝟖 𝒄𝒎𝟐 , b) 𝟕𝟖𝟕 ± 𝟔 𝒄𝒎𝟐, and c) 𝟐𝟏𝟕 ± 𝟖 𝒄𝒎𝟐 respectively.
The low precision of measurements for the three objects, which resulted to high uncertainties of
derived physical quantities, can be attributed to the limitation of the measuring instrument that deems the
experimenter incapable of using it to measure objects at more precise divisions. All calculations done for this
experiment is shown at the Appendix.

4. RECOMMENDATIONS

Although uncertainties and errors are unavoidable, these factors are mitigable. For the measurement of mass of
both ring and metal block, analytical balance is more accurate especially in small mass measurements instead
of using platform balance. In determination of the volume of the ring, to avoid multiple discrepancies in the
dimension readings. The study suggests usage of water displacement technique to determine the volume of
solid objects of rounder and finer edges which are often immeasurable for usual instruments for dimension
measurements. Hence, in future experimentations, it is recommended to use analytical beam balance for
precise measurements. Moreover, for precise dimension measurements, the study suggests usage of more
accurate instruments like vernier caliper or micrometer caliper for the second experiment. With proper
techniques of measuring and appropriate instruments, uncertainties associated with the measurement of objects
to describe physical properties and phenomena can be lessened.

REFERENCES

Accuracy, Precision and Uncertainty. (2017). UMass Physics. Retrieved 13 March 2021, from
https://cnx.org/contents/p1kjkE8y@3/1-3-Accuracy-Precision-and-Uncertainty
Davis, M. (n.d.). Uncertainty in Measuring Length. Retrieved 13 March 2021
https://www.auburn.wednet.edu/cms/lib03/WA01001938/Centricity/Domain/1360/1_Uncertainty.pdf
Fornasini, P. (2008). The uncertainty in physical measurements: an introduction to data analysis in the physics
laboratory. Springer Science & Business Media.
Tal, E. (2015). Measurement in science. The Standford Encyclopedia for Philosophy.
Tipler, P. A., & Mosca, G. (2007). Physics for scientists and engineers. Macmillan.
Young, H. D., Freedman, R. A., & Ford, A. L. (2012). University Physics with Modern Physics. 11.
 APPENDIX

Experiment 1 Data Sheet

Table 1. Ruler measurements of the metal block

Trials Length (cm) Width (cm) Height (cm) Volume (cm3) Deviation (cm3)
1 2.508 0.648 0.320 0.520 0.002
2 2.510 0.648 0.316 0.514 0.004
3 2.514 0.650 0.318 0.520 0.002
Ave. = 0.518 ADM = 0.003

𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 (𝑉𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 ) = 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ (𝑙) × 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ (𝑤) × ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 (ℎ)
𝑉𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 1 = 2.508 × 0.648 × 0.320 = 0.5200 ≈ 𝟎. 𝟓𝟐𝟎 𝒄𝒎𝟑
𝑉𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 2 = 2.510 × 0.648 × 0.316 = 0.5139 ≈ 𝟎. 𝟓𝟏𝟒 𝒄𝒎𝟑
𝑉𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 3 = 2.514 × 0.650 × 0.318 = 0.5196 ≈ 𝟎. 𝟓𝟐𝟎 𝒄𝒎𝟑
𝑉𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 1 + 𝑉𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 2 + 𝑉𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 3 0.520 + 0.514 + 0.520
𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑉𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 = = = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟏𝟖 𝒄𝒎𝟑
𝑛 3
∑|𝑥𝑖 − 𝑥| |0.520 − 0.518| + |0.514 − 0.518| + |0.520 − 0.518|
𝐴𝐷𝑀𝑉𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 = = ≈ 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟑 𝒄𝒎𝟑
𝑛 3
Volume of the block = 0.518 ± 0.003 cm3

Table 2. Mass measurements of the metal block

Trials Mass (g) Deviation (g)

1 0.314 0.001
2 0.314 0.001
3 0.316 0.001
Ave. = 0.315 ADM = 0.001

𝑚1 + 𝑚2 + 𝑚3 0.314 + 0.314 + 0.316

𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 (𝑚𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 ) = = = 0.3146 ≈ 𝟎. 𝟑𝟏𝟓 𝒈
𝑛 3
∑|𝑥𝑖 − 𝑥| |0.314 − 0.315| + |0.314 − 0.315| + |0.316 − 0.315|
𝐴𝐷𝑀𝑚𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 = = = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟏 𝒈
𝑛 3
Mass of the block = 0.315 ± 0.001 g

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 (𝑚) 0.315 ± 0.001 𝑔 0.315 ± 0.3%

𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 (𝜌𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 ) = = 3 =
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 (𝑉) 0.518 ± 0.003 𝑐𝑚 0.518 ± 0.6%
𝑔 𝒈
𝜌𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 = 0.6081 3 ± 0.9% = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟎𝟖 ± 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟓
𝑐𝑚 𝒄𝒎𝟑

Table 3. Vernier caliper measurements of the ring

Inner Diameter Outer Diameter

Trials Height (cm) Volume (cm3) Deviation (cm3)
(cm) (cm)
1 2.840 3.246 1.286 2.496 0.017
2 2.822 3.246 1.270 2.566 0.053
3 2.844 3.246 1.288 2.477 0.036
Ave. = 2.513 ADM = 0.035
 𝐷 2 𝑑 2
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 (𝑉𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 ) = 𝜋𝑅 2 ℎ − 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ = 𝜋ℎ(𝑅2 − 𝑟 2 ) = 𝜋ℎ (( ) − ( ) )
2 2
where 𝑟 is inner radius, 𝑅 is outer radius, 𝑑 is inner diameter, and 𝐷 is outer diameter
3.246 2 2.840 2
𝑉𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 1 = 1.286𝜋 (( ) −( ) ) = 2.4956 ≈ 𝟐. 𝟒𝟗𝟔 𝒄𝒎𝟑
2 2
3.246 2 2.822 2
𝑉𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 2 = 1.270𝜋 (( ) −( ) ) = 2.5662 ≈ 𝟐. 𝟓𝟔𝟔 𝒄𝒎𝟑
2 2
3.246 2 2.844 2
𝑉𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 3 = 1.288𝜋 (( ) −( ) ) = 2.4765 ≈ 𝟐. 𝟒𝟕𝟕 𝒄𝒎𝟑
2 2
𝑉𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 1 + 𝑉𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 2 + 𝑉𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 3 2.496 + 2.566 + 2.477
𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑉𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 = = = 𝟐. 𝟓𝟏𝟑 𝒄𝒎𝟑
𝑛 3
∑|𝑥𝑖 − 𝑥| |2.496 − 2.513| + |2.566 − 2.513| + |2.477 − 2.513|
𝐴𝐷𝑀𝑉𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 = = ≈ 𝟎. 𝟎𝟑𝟓 𝒄𝒎𝟑
𝑛 3
Volume of the ring = 2.513 ± 0.035 cm3

Table 4. Mass measurements of the ring

Trials Mass Deviation

1 1.286 0.005
2 1.270 0.011
3 1.288 0.007
Ave. = 1.281 ADM = 0.008

𝑚1 + 𝑚2 + 𝑚3 1.286 + 1.270 + 1.288

𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠(𝑚𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 ) = = = 1.2813 ≈ 𝟏. 𝟐𝟖𝟏 𝒈
𝑛 3
∑|𝑥𝑖 − 𝑥| |1.286 − 1.281| + |1.270 − 1.281| + |1.288 − 1.281|
𝐴𝐷𝑀𝑚𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 = = ≈ 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟖 𝒈
𝑛 3
Mass of the block = 1.281 ± 0.008 g

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 (𝑚) 1.281 ± 0.008 𝑔 1.281𝑔 ± 0.6 %

𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 (𝜌𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 ) = = 3 =
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 (𝑉) 2.513 ± 0.035 𝑐𝑚 2.513𝑐𝑚3 ± 1.4%
𝑔 𝑔
= 0.509 3 ± 2% = 0.51 ± 0.01 3
𝑐𝑚 𝑐𝑚
𝑔 1 𝑘𝑔 1 000 000 𝑐𝑚3 𝑘𝑔
0.51 3 × × 3 = 510 3
𝑐𝑚 1 000 𝑔 1𝑚 𝑚
𝑔 1 𝑘𝑔 1 000 000 𝑐𝑚3 𝑘𝑔
0.01 3 × × = 10 3
𝑐𝑚 1 000 𝑔 1 𝑚3 𝑚
𝒌𝒈
𝜌𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 𝟓𝟏𝟎 ± 𝟏𝟎 𝟑
𝒎

Table 5. Measurements of the three rectangular objects

Length (cm) Width (cm) Height (cm)

Object
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
Book 20.80 20.80 20.90 13.70 13.80 13.80 1.80 1.90 1.80
Box 16.50 16.50 16.40 12.00 12.20 12.10 6.80 6.90 6.70
Picture
18.00 18.10 18.00 13.00 12.90 13.00 0.80 1.00 1.00
Frame
Table 6. Average measurements of the three rectangular objects

Object Length (cm) Width (cm) Height (cm)

Book 20.83 ± 0.05 13.76 ± 0.05 1.83 ± 0.05
Box 16.47 ± 0.05 12.10 ± 0.05 6.80 ± 0.05
Picture Frame 18.03 ± 0.05 12.97± 0.05 0.93 ± 0.05

Table 7. Volume and total surface area of the three rectangular objects

Object Volume (cm3) Total Surface Area

Book 525 ± 20 700 ± 8
Box 1 355 ± 20 787 ± 6
Picture Frame 217 ± 10 526 ± 8

Calculations for the Volume:

a. Book
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 (𝑉𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 ) = 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ (𝑙) × 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ (𝑤) × ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 (ℎ)
= (20.83 ± 0.05)(13.76 ± 0.05)(1.83 ± 0.05)
= (20.83 ± 0.24%)(13.76 ± 0.36%)(1.83 ± 2.73%)
= 524.5161 ± 3.33% ≈ 524.5161 ± 3%
𝑉𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 = 524.5161 ± 15.7 ≈ 𝟓𝟐𝟓 ± 𝟐𝟎 𝒄𝒎𝟑

b. Box
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑏𝑜𝑥 (𝑉𝑏𝑜𝑥 ) = 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ (𝑙) × 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ (𝑤) × ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 (ℎ)
= (16.47 ± 0.05)(12.10 ± 0.05)(6.80 ± 0.05)
= (16.47 ± 0.30%)(12.10 ± 0.41%)(6.80 ± 0.74%)
= 1355.1516 ± 1.45% ≈ 1355.1516 ± 1%
𝑉𝑏𝑜𝑥 = 1 355.1516 ± 13.6 ≈ 𝟏𝟑𝟓𝟓 ± 𝟐𝟎 𝒄𝒎𝟑

c. Picture Frame
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑓𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑒 (𝑉𝑓𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑒 ) = 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ (𝑙) × 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ (𝑤) × ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 (ℎ)
= (18.03 ± 0.05)(12.97 ± 0.05)(0.93 ± 0.05)
= (18.03 ± 0.28%)(12.97 ± 0.39%)(0.93 ± 5.38%)
= 217.4797 ± 6.05% ≈ 217.4797 ± 6%
𝑉𝑓𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑒 = 217.4797 ± 13.0 ≈ 𝟐𝟏𝟕 ± 𝟏𝟎 𝒄𝒎𝟑

Calculations for the surface area:

a. Book
𝑙𝑤 = (20.83 ± 0.05)(13.76 ± 0.05)
= (20.83 ± 0.24%)(13.76 ± 0.36%)
= 286.628 ± 0.603% ≈ 286.628 ± 0.6%
= 286.6208 ± 1.7 ≈ 287 ± 2

𝑤ℎ = (13.76 ± 0.05)(1.83 ± 0.05)

= (13.76 ± 0.36%)(1.83 ± 2.73%)
= 25.1808 ± 3.093% ≈ 286.628 ± 3%
= 25.1808 ± 0.76 ≈ 25.2 ± 0.8
 𝑙ℎ = (20.83 ± 0.05)(1.83 ± 0.05)
= (20.83 ± 0.24%)(1.83 ± 2.73%)
= 38.1189 ± 2.97% ≈ 38.1189 ± 3%
= 38.1189 ± 1.1 ≈ 38 ± 1

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑆𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 = 2(𝑙𝑤 + 𝑤ℎ + 𝑙ℎ)

= 2[(287 ± 2) + (25.2 ± 0.8) + (38 ± 1)]
≈ 𝟕𝟎𝟎 ± 𝟖 𝒄𝒎𝟐

b. Box
𝑙𝑤 = (16.47 ± 0.05)(12.10 ± 0.05)
= (16.47 ± 0.30%)(12.10 ± 0.41%)
= 199.287 ± 0.71% ≈ 199.287 ± 0.7%
= 199.287 ± 1.4 ≈ 199 ± 1

𝑤ℎ = (12.10 ± 0.05)(6.80 ± 0.05)

= (12.10 ± 0.41%)(6.800 ± 0.74%)
= 82.28 ± 1.15% ≈ 82.8 ± 1%
= 82.28 ± 0.8228 ≈ 82.3 ± 0.8

𝑙ℎ = (16.47 ± 0.05)(6.80 ± 0.05)

= (16.47 ± 0.30%)(6.80 ± 0.74%)
= 111.996 ± 1.04% ≈ 111.996 ± 1%
= 111.996 ± 1.1 ≈ 112 ± 1

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑆𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑥 = 2(𝑙𝑤 + 𝑤ℎ + 𝑙ℎ)

= 2[(199 ± 1) + (82.3 ± 0.8) + (112 ± 1)]
≈ 𝟕𝟖𝟕 ± 𝟔 𝒄𝒎𝟐

c. Picture Frame
𝑙𝑤 = (18.03 ± 0.05)(12.97 ± 0.05)
= (18.03 ± 0.28%)(12.97 ± 0.39%)
= 233.8491 ± 0.67% ≈ 233.8491 ± 1%
= 233.8491 ± 2.3 ≈ 234 ± 2

𝑤ℎ = (12.97 ± 0.05)(0.93 ± 0.05)

= (12.97 ± 0.39%)(0.93 ± 5.38%)
= 12.0621 ± 5.77% ≈ 12.0621 ± 6%
= 12.0621 ± 0.7 ≈ 12 ± 1

𝑙ℎ = (18.03 ± 0.05)(0.930 ± 0.05)

= (18.03 ± 0.28%)(0.930 ± 5.38%)
= 16.7679 ± 5.66% ≈ 16.7679 ± 6%
= 16.7679 ± 1.0 ≈ 17 ± 1

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑆𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑓𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑒 = 2(𝑙𝑤 + 𝑤ℎ + 𝑙ℎ)

= 2[(234 ± 2) + (12 ± 1) + (17 ± 1)]
≈ 𝟓𝟐𝟔 ± 𝟖 𝒄𝒎𝟐