Physics Lab Report

Group Members:
Zayaan Hassiem, 250456087
Amos Ilunga, 250791323
Tshikosi Orifha, 240989155
Simile Witbooi, 250524651
Kiarra Pasquallie, 250464721

Experiment Title: Measurement & Density of Solids

Lecturer: Mr Kanting Evidence Motimele
Experiment Number: 1
Date of Experiment : 03 April 2025
Faculty : Engineering & the Built Environment
Department: Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering
Course: Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
1. Title:
Measurement & Density of Solids.

2. Aim:
To learn how to use a meter stick, vernier calliper and micrometre screw
gauge and how to calculate density.

3. Apparatus:

Figure 1: Meter stick (Ruler) Figure 2: Micrometre screw gauge

Figure 3: Cylinder Figure 4: Wooden block

Figure 5: Vernier calliper

4. Theory:
The principle of density describes the relationship between an object mass
and its volume. This principle is represented by the following formula:
𝑚
● 𝑃= 𝑣

These are the other formulas used in this experiment:

● Volume for rectangular prism: 𝑣 = 𝑙 × 𝑏 × ℎ 𝑖𝑛 𝑚3

● Volume for cylinder: 𝑣 = 𝜋 × 𝑟 2 × ℎ 𝑖𝑛 𝑚3

A vernier calliper is a measuring tool used to measure the dimensions of an

object more accurately. The main scale is usually in millimetres and the
vernier scale allows readings to the nearest 0.02 mm or 0.01 mm for
precision.

A micrometre is a measuring tool with a moving spindle that measures the

dimensions of an object. It is generally considered more precise than a vernier
calliper. The thimble scale usually measures every 0.1 mm, and a barrel scale
is measured in millimetres and sometimes inches.

A metrestick or ruler is a straight measuring tool used to measure the length of an

object, and it is marked in centimetres and millimetres. It is generally con.
5. Method:

1. The metal cylinder was placed on the scale and the reading was taken in
kilograms. This was repeated for the wooden block.
2. The vernier calliper was used to measure the vertical and horizontal length
of the metal cylinder via the main scale (m.s) and vernier scale (v.s):
• The object was placed between the jaws
• The main scale is measured in millimetres (mm)
• The vernier scale measured in millimetres (mm)
• The horizontal results of the main scale and vernier scale were
added together to obtain the diameter of the metal cylinder. The
vertical results of the main scale and vernier scale were added
together to obtain the height of the metal cylinder.
• The steps were repeated 5 times to improve reliability.

3. The micrometre screw gauge was used to measure the vertical and
horizontal length of the metal cylinder via the main scale and vernier scale
▪ The cylinder was placed between the anvil and spindle of the
micrometre.
▪ The main scale and vernier scale were measured in millimetres
(mm).
▪ Similarly, the main scale and vernier scale lengths were added
together to receive the diameter and height of the metal cylinder.
▪ The steps were repeated to improve the reliability.

4. The ruler was used to measure the height, length and width of the
wooden block. The results were placed into a table and the volume and
density was calculated. This acts as an independent variable.
 6. Results:

Table 1: Represent the results of measurement of objects using a

vernier calliper

Object Mass m.s v.s Diameter m.s v.s Height Volume Density Material
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (𝒎𝟑 ) (kg/𝒎𝟑 )
Cylinder 0.014 11 1 11.1 19 9 19.9 1.9 × 10−6 7660.02 Metal

Cylinder 0.014 11 4 11.4 19 9 19.9 2.1 × 10−6 7188.58 Metal

Cylinder 0.014 11 2 11.2 19 8 19.8 1.9 × 10−6 7484.49 Metal

Table 2: Representing the results of measurement of objects using a micrometre

screw gauge

Object Mass m.s v.s Diameter m.s v.s Height Volume Density Material
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (𝒎𝟑 ) (kg/𝒎𝟑 )
Cylinder 0.014 10 4 10.4 20 2 20.2 1.7 × 10−6 8158.7 Metal

Cylinder 0.014 10 3 10.3 18 2 18.2 1.5 × 10−6 9231.9 Metal

Cylinder 0.014 10 6 10.6 18 4 18.4 1.6 × 10−6 8622.0 Metal

Table 3: Representing the results of measurement of objects using a ruler

Object Mass Breadth Length Height Volume Density

(kg) (mm) (mm) (mm) (𝒎𝟑 ) (kg/𝒎𝟑 )
Wooden 0.0367 19 9.9 40 7.52 × 10−6 4877.72
block 1
Wooden 0.0367 19 9.8 39 7.26 × 10−6 5053.84
block 2
Wooden 0.0367 19 9.8 41 7.63 × 10−6 4807.31
block 3
7. Conclusion & Discussion:

In conclusion the experiment covered tool use and density calculations, but
careful measurement checks are required to minimize errors. The experiment
demonstrated that measurement tool precision directly impacts result
accuracy. The vernier calliper and micrometre produced more consistent
densities than the ruler. However, all tools are required the proper technique
and skill to use to avoid errors. This shows the importance of repeating
measurements so the outlier can be identified easily.

Vernier calliper
The experiment measured the dimensions and density of metal cylinders
using a vernier calliper. The average density was 7444.36 kg/m3 which is
close to known metal densities like steel (7850 kg/m3 ) a indicating reasonable
accuracy.

Micrometer
Using a micrometer, the measured densities of metal cylinders averaged
8667.53 kg/𝐦𝟑 higher than the vernier caliper results. The micrometer’s finer
resolution is likely what reduced measurement error.

Wooden Ruler
Wooden blocks measured with a ruler had an average density of 4912.96
kg/m3 , significantly higher than typical woodThe ruler is less accurate (only
measures to 1 mm), so it gives less reliable density results than vernier
callipers or micrometres.
8. References:

Third Space Learning, Formula For Density, viewed 7 April

2025, https://thirdspacelearning.com/gcse-maths/ratio-and-proportion/formula-for-
density/

List, J. (2020, June 8). Vernier Caliper and micrometer screw gauges, measuring
without compromise. Hackday. https://hackday.com/2025/04/07/vernier-calipers-
and-micrometer-screw-gauges-measuring-without-compromise/