Experiment 1 Rulers vs Calipers In this experiment you will compare the precision and accuracy measuring the same objects with a ruler and a caliper Materials 1 Marble Ruler String 1 8 oz Styrofoam Cup Vernier Caliper 1 Washer Procedure 1 Using the ruler measure the diameter of the marble Record your measurement in Table 1 2 Indicate your uncertainty Record the uncertainty in Table 1 3 Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for the outer diameter of the washer inner diameter of the washer washer thickness length of the string and the height of the Styrofoam cup 4 Repeat Steps 1 3 using a Vernier caliper Table 1 Ruler and Caliper Measurements Ruler Object Marble Diameter Measurement cm Uncertainty cm Caliper Measurement cm Uncertainty cm 1 00 cm 0 050 cm 1 02 cm 0 0025 cm Washer Outer Diameter 1 70 cm 0 050 cm 1 92 cm 0 0025 cm Washer Inner Diameter 0 80 cm 0 050 cm 0 501 cm 0 0025 cm Washer Thickness 0 10 cm 0 050 cm 0 105 cm 0 0025 cm String Length 12 4 cm 0 050 cm 12 37 cm 0 0025 cm Styrofoam Cup Height 8 80 cm 0 050 cm 8 68 cm 0 0025 cm Post Lab Questions 2014 eScience Labs LLC All Rights Reserved 1 Compare the measurements for objects using the ruler and caliper and write a general statement on when it is more beneficial to use a ruler rather than a caliper 2 Comment on accuracy vs precision for rulers and calipers The caliper has a much better accuracy than the ruler does The measurement for the ruler is dependent on a person eyeballing the measurement therefore not making it as accurate The calipers however place the object in between 2 clasps and has 2 scales making the measurement more precise 3 What are the sources of uncertainty when using a ruler and caliper 2014 eScience Labs LLC All Rights Reserved
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