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Experimentation almost always involves measurements of length, mass, time, or other quantities. In making
such measurements, we try to obtain as much precision as possible with the instruments and techniques
available to us. We always pay attention to significant figures so as not to overstate (or understate!) the
precision. In this simple activity, we will practice making indirect measurements and using the rules of significant
figures which you have learned previously.
Materials
Tasks
Develop a viable method which will most precisely allow you to make the following measurements:
1 Determine the mass of one drop of water dispensed from a plastic beral pipet.
2 Determine the volume of one drop of water dispensed from a plastic beral pipet.
3 Determine the thickness of a 10.0 cm x 10.0 cm sample of aluminum foil.
Analysis:
Critical Thinking:
Two students make measurements of the mass of a single drop of water, the volume of a single drop of
water, and the thickness of the same sample of aluminum foil. Their results are outlined in the table
below:
Student A Student B
Mass of 1 Drop of Water 0.045 Mass of 1 Drop of Water 0.05
(g) (g)
Volume of 1 Drop of Water 0.045 Volume of 1 Drop of Water 0.05
(mL) (mL)
Thickness of sample of 0.015 Thickness of sample of 0.02
Aluminum Foil (cm) Aluminum Foil (cm)
1. How can the two students obtain different thicknesses for aluminum foil if they measured the same
sample? Explain.
2. Suggest differences in equipment, measurements and/or calculations which could account for the
discrepancies in measurements between student A and student B.