EXPERIMENT 1

OBJECTIVES: Name _______________________

[meas.lab]

1. Be able to measure metric length, volume and mass using:

a. metric ruler or meter stick

b. a graduated cylinder

c. a triple beam balance

d. a top-loading balance

All measurements should be made to the maximum precision.

2. Be able to estimate the metric size of common objects in terms of length, volume and mass.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE:

A. LENGTH MEASUREMENT: Using the metric ruler or metric stick, measure each of the following. Units must be in meters (m), centimeters (cm) or millimeters (mm).

number unit

1. length of scoopula ______ _____

2. length of small (3") test tube ______ _____

3. inside diameter of 6" test tube ______ mm

4. length of this paper ______ _____

5. your height ______ m

B. LENGTH ESTIMATION: Estimation is "educated guessing". Look at the following objects and estimate their lengths. Write that estimation down, then actually measure and see how far off you were. You should be able to estimate within 1 or 2 cm.

1. length of 6" test tube estimation: ______ _____

actual: ______ _____

2. width of this paper estimation: ______ _____

actual: ______ _____

C. VOLUME MEASUREMENT: Using a graduated cylinder (or measuring cylinder), measure the volume of the following objects. Fill them to the top with water. Pour the water into the cylinder to measure it. The water surface is NOT flat. It is curved. This is called a MENISCUS. Read the lower part of the curve. If the volume is small, use the 10 mL cylinder. Otherwise use your large cylinder. Express the answer in milliliters (mL).

1. volume of small test tube ______ _____

2. volume of large test tube ______ L

3. volume of "250-mL" beaker ______ _____

D. VOLUME ESTIMATION: Estimate the following, then actually measure.

1. volume of 6" test tube estimation: ______ _____

actual: ______ _____

2. volume of your forefinger estimation: ______ _____

actual: ______ _____

E. MASS MEASUREMENT: Measure the mass (in grams) of the following objects, using the balances indicated.

-- Using a TRIPLE-BEAM balance: (show 2 decimal places)

1. mass of 3" test tube _________ _____

2. mass of a scoopula _________ _____

3. mass of a 100 or 150 mL beaker _________ _____

-- Using a TOP LOADING balance: (show 3 decimal places)

1. mass of a penny _________ _____

2. mass of an aluminum weighing dish _________ _____

3. mass of a 100 or 150 mL beaker _________ _____

F. MASS ESTIMATION: Estimate the following, then actually measure.

Use any balance you wish. Show proper number of decimals.

1. mass of 6" test tube estimation: _________ _____

actual: _________ _____

2. mass of an evaporating dish estimation: _________ _____

actual: _________ _____