ANKARA UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS ENGINEERING

PEN155 MECHANICS LABORATORY

GROUP NO:B1
Student ID Name - Surname Signature

EXPERIMENT: Measurment and Error Calculation

EXPERIMENT DATE: 20/10/2023
1. PURPOSE AND EXPECTATION

1.1. PURPOSE

 Learning how to use vernier calipers and micrometers to take measurements

and do error calculations.
1.2. EXPECTATION

 Increasing precision by measuring the length of objects, estimating their

volume and density, finding measurement errors, and observing this
theoretically on a graph using differential error analysis.

2.THEORETICAL INFORMATION

Vernier Calipers

A Vernier caliper is a measuring instrument that is used to precisely measure the length,
width, height, depth, and diameter of objects.It can measure whole numbers with the main
scale and fractional numbers with the Vernier scale. A depth probe is also located at the tip of
the Vernier caliper and is used for depth measurements. This instrument is valuable for
precise measurements in a variety of fields.

Figure 1.1: Vernier Calipers [1]

By using a Vernier caliper, the object to be measured is placed between the caliper jaws, and
the alignment of the zero point on the Vernier scale with the corresponding point on the main
scale is checked. When the measured value does not reflect an integer, a careful examination
is performed to determine the precise alignment of the Vernier scale divisions and the main
scale divisions. This alignment is then used as the decimal portion of the measurement to
supplement the whole number component.

Micrometer

A micrometer is a measuring instrument used for precise measurements of very small-sized

objects. It operates on the same principle as a caliper but can achieve more accurate
measurements than a caliper. When using a micrometer for measurements, the vernier
graduation on the barrel indicates the whole part of the measurement between the anvil and
spindle, while the thimble portion displays the fractional or decimal part of the measurement
 Figure 1.2: Micrometer [2]
Error and Error Types
Error is commonly defined as the difference between observed and actual values.
Uncertainties in an experiment are often classified into two types: systematic error and
random errors. Systematic errors are often noticeable and simply correctable. Systematic
errors can be classified as follows:

Instrumental Errors: These occur when improper or non-adjustable instruments are used.

Personal Errors: These errors arise as a result of the experimenter's oversight or

misunderstanding.

Method Errors: These errors result from the inappropriate use of experimental
methodologies.

Implementation Errors: These errors occur as a result of the experimenter's lack of

understanding or poor execution of the method.

Error Calculation Formulas

In most experimental calculations, precise results are often unattainable, which is why various
error calculations are employed. For instance let x arepresent the actual value and x ethe
experimental value. Accordingly, the error calculations to be performed are as follows:

Absolute error = ¿ x e −x a∨¿

The absolute error is determined by taking the absolute difference between the experimental value.
¿
Relative error = ¿ x e −x a∨ x ¿
a

Instead of absolute error, the accuracy of measurement is represented as relative error.[3]

¿
Relative percentage error = ¿ x e −x a∨ x ×100 ¿
a

Percent error quantifies the experimental result's differences from the true value as a percentage of
the true value.
Arithmetic Mean

The arithmetic mean X a is described as the ratio of the sum of the measured values to the
number of n measurments.
n

∑ Xi
X a= i=1
n

Differential Error Calculations

Differential error analysis is used to estimate the error in a measurement. The following
procedures are taken to calculate the differential error of volume (V) and density ( ρ ) of an
object:

The Volume Function (V) is defined as V = f(x, y, z).

The Density Function ( ρ ) is defined as ρ = g(x, y, z).

Error calculation for volume:

∂V ∂V ∂V
dV = dx + dy + dz
∂x ∂y ∂z

Error calculation for density:

∂ρ ∂ρ ∂ρ
dρ = dx + dy + dz
∂x ∂y ∂z

The precision of the measurement device is represented by d(x, y, z).

These derivatives give a full understanding of how variable errors affect the sensitivity and
relationship of changes in volume or density. Differential error analysis arises as a critical
component for accurate measurements and calculations that make use of the findings of such
calculations.

3.METHOD

3.1. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

 Vernier Caliper
 Micrometer
 Ruler
 Cylinder, cube, cone, rectangular prism, sphere
 Electrobalance

3.2. PROCESS

● The sides of the cube were measured using a ruler. The measurements were
recorded. L1=4.6 cm , L2=4.4 cm , L3 =4.5 cm , L4=4.5 cm, L5=4.4 cm
 ● The radius and height of the cylinder were measured with a slide rule.
h=6.12 cm, r =2.28 cm
● The depth and diameter of the cavities inside the cylinder were measured:
r 1=2.28 cm, h1=6.12cm , r 2=0.53 cm , h2=1 cm , r 3=0.63 cm , h3=2 cm
● Callipers were used to measure the height and radius of a cone.
h=6 cm , r=2.25 cm
● Callipers were used to measure the sides of a rectangular prism.
a=4.36 cm, b=5.32 cm, c=3.50 cm
● The weights of the each geometric shapes were measured by using electronic
scales and these weight measurements were recorded as;
mcone =48.30 g , mrec . prism=122.40 g , mcylinder =131.44 g , mcube =129.30 g ,msphere =55.0 g
● A micrometer was used to measure the radius of a sphere. r sph=1.15 cm

4. RESULTS AND CALCULATION

PART I: Finding the length with ruler

L(cm) a (cm) L a Absolute Error¿)

4.6 0.2

4.4 0.4

4.5 0.3 4.5 0.3 4.2

4.5 0.3

4.4 0.4

Table1. Length (L) and Mean Deviation (a)

The average value of L and a were calculated using the arithmetic mean formula.

∑ Li
L= i=1
5
4.6 +4.4 +4.5+ 4.5+ 4.4
L=
5
(1)
L=4.5
 5

∑ ai
a= i=1
5

a=¿ ¿ (2)

a=0.3

PART II: Compass and electrobalance

V (cm3 ¿ ∆V m(g) g
ρ( 3
)
cm
Cylinder 93.41 1.38 131.44

Cone 30.37 0.64 48.30

Cube 97.33 1.38 129.30 1.06

Rectangular 81.18 1.13 122.40

Prism

Sphere 5.29 0.31 55.0

Table2. Volume, Mass and Density

Cylinder

The volume of a cylinder was calculated using the formula V cylinder =π r 2 h

r =2.28 cm, h=6.12 cm (3)

3
V 1=95.44 cm

The same process was used to calculate the volumes of cylindrical cavities within the
cylinder.

r =0.53 cm ,h=1 cm (4)

3
V 2=0.84 cm

r =0.63 cm ,h=2 cm (5)

3
V 3=2.38 cm
The percentage error in each volume was estimated using the differential error calculation
formula shown below.
∂V ∂V
∆V = dr + dh
∂r ∂h

The values of dr and dh in the formula are equal to the measurement instrument's precision,
which is 0.02 for a caliper.
2 2 2
π ×2 × ( 2.28 ) × ( 6.12 ) × + π × ( 2.28 ) ×
100 100

∆ V 1 ¿ 0.83+0.31 (6)

∆ V 1 =1.14

2 2 2
π ×2 × ( 0.53 ) ×1 × + π ×(0.53) × (7)
100 100

∆ V 2 =0.06+0.01=0.07

2 2 2
π ×2 × ( 0.63 ) ×2 × + π ×(0.63) × (8)
100 100

∆ V 2 =0.15+0.02=0.17

To calculate the % error in volume measurement, the ∆V's of the cylindrical voids inside the
cylinder were added the ∆V of the cylinder.

% error = 1.14 + (0.07 + 0.17)

(9)
∆ V cylinder= %1.38

Cone
2
πr h
The volume of the cone was calculated using the cone volume formula ( )
3
r =2.25 cm, h=6 cm
3
V 1=30.37 cm (10)

A calculation of differential percentage error was performed

 π 2 π 2 2
∆ V =¿ ×2 × ( 2.25 ) ×6 × + × ( 2.25 ) ×
3 100 3 100

0.54 +0.10=0.64 (11)

∆ V cone=% 0.64

Cube

The volume of the cube was determined using the cube volume formula ¿ ¿)

a=4.8 cm
3
V 1=97.33 cm (12)

Differential error analysis was performed.

2 2
∆ V =¿ 3 ×(4.8) ×
100

∆ V cube=% 1.38 (13)

Rectangular Prism

The volume of a rectangular prism was calculated using the formula (a × b ×c ¿

a=4.36 ,b=5.38 , c=3.50

3
V =81.18 cm (14)

Differential error analysis was performed.

2 2 2
∆ V =ab × +bc × +ac ×
100 100 100

¿ 0.46+ 0.37+0.30 (15)

∆ V rec . prism=% 1.13

Sphere

The volume of a sphere was calculated using the sphere volume formula ¿)

r =1.15 cmV =5.29 cm3

(16)

Differential error analysis was performed, considering that the measurement was done with a
micrometer, and the precision of the instrument is dr = 0.01.
 4 2 1
∆ V = π × 3×(1.15) × ∆ V =% 0.31
3 100
(17)

Density of the sphere was calculated using by differental error calculation formula.
4 3 2
π r −(4 π r −m)
3
∆ ρ= 3 2
4πr
( )
3

4 3 2
π (1.15) −[4 π ( 1.15 ) −m]
3
∆ ρ= 3 2
4 π (1.15)
[ ]
3

∆ ρ=% 1.10

5.COMMENT AND DISCUSSION

Measurement and error analysis in experiments are important in determining the accuracy
and reliability of the results. In this experiment, we examined the basic concepts of
measurement and error and interpreted the results we obtained in the experiment. The purpose
of the experiment was to understand measurement errors, account for them, and determine the
accuracy of our results. We worked precisely during the experiment process, especially when
making measurements. However, there is always the possibility that some errors may occur.
These errors may be caused by human error, measurement errors, environmental conditions or
other external factors. We took several steps to keep measurement errors to a minimum in this
experiment. First of all, we regularly checked the calibration of the equipment and verified
each step before and after the experiment. However, we made careful and repeated
measurements to minimize human errors during the measurement process. We used statistical
methods to detect measurement errors and account for uncertainties in the analysis of the data
we obtained. In this way, we tried to increase the reliability of the results we obtained.
However, we observed that we still accept that there may be some systematic or measurement
errors in the data set. Challenges and limitations we encounter during the experiment may also
affect our results. For example, limited time or resources may affect the scope and accuracy of
the experiment. Such difficulties led us to think more about the interpretation of the results
and the validity of the experiment. We also have suggestions for future work. In particular, we
recommend a more comprehensive data collection process to use more precise measurement
techniques, reduce uncertainties more effectively, and increase the reliability of the results. As
a result, the data we obtained in this experiment should be interpreted by taking into account
measurement errors and uncertainties
REFERENCES

[1] http://www.ajaxmediatech.com

[2] http://www.wixstatic.com

[3] Ünlü,Asilcan.“Measurment and Error calculation”.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1uIhqE2cedvM6AfKNwKl2JV2Aiaqmcu-_