Physics 1 module 1 b lab

1
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph
General Physics 1
Grade Level/Section:
MODULE 1B – Physics 1 Name:
PERFORMANCE TASK 1
A. INTRODUCTION
Measurement
Physics, as an experimental science, requires not only measurement but also an
understood agreement among experimenters pertaining to the standards used in
measurements. You know by now, that length, mass, and time are three fundamental
measuring units used in physics. The agreed upon standards for these undefined quantities
are, respectively, the meter, the kilogram, and the second. These three quantities, used
together, form a system of units called the MKS system. Other systems of units are the CGS
system which is simply a combination of smaller divisions of the MKS system, i.e., the
centimeter, the gram, and the second. One hundred centimeters is a meter and one
thousand grams is a kilogram. A more familiar system of units is the British system which uses
the foot (length), the slug (mass), and the second (time).
The objective of this lab is to become more familiar with these units of measurements
and to demonstrate how to use the instruments used in the physics laboratory. Keep in mind
that these units occur in a single combination of MKS, CGS, or, English system and that mixing
these units, such as meter, with grams, or foot and kilogram, yields non-standard compound
units. Thus, it may be necessary to convert measurements between systems to maintain that
same system, i.e., a length taken in centimeters, must be converted to meters, etc.
Error
An experimental error is not a mistake! It is the difference between a measurement
and an accepted value of something.
% 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 =
𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 − 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒
𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒
𝑥 100
For example, if you determine from an experiment that the acceleration due to
gravity is then the ‘error’ is the difference between that value and the accepted value of
9.8 m/s2. The error can also be expressed as a percent:
% 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 =
10 − 9.8
9.8
𝑥 100 = 2%
B. MATERIALS
• ruler
• tape measure
• short bond paper
• stop watch/ timer
C. PROCEDURES
PART A (measurements will be performed by the teacher)
1. Read the measurement of the objects given the measuring instrument. (Refer to the images
provided)
2. Write your answers on the spaces provided.
PART B
3. Using a ruler, take 3 measurements, in centimeters of the length (longer side) of the short
bond paper. Be sure to be consistent with which side you measure. Determine the average
value of your measurements.
4. Repeat the measurements, this time making the measurements in inches.
5. Cut the paper in halves (crosswise) and repeat both sets of measurements, remember to
average at least 3 measurements. Continue measuring and cutting until you have cut the
paper 4 times.
6. Graph centimeters vs. inches. Use the slope of the graph to calculate cm/ in. You may
simply identify two points from the graph. (this will be your experimental value)
7. Calculate the percentage error in your result assuming that the ratio of centimeters to
inches is 2.54. (this will be your actual value)

1
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268
General Physics 1
PART C
8. Using a ruler, measure the length and width of your bed. Measure and/ or convert all your
values to cm. Record your data on the table.
9. Make two measurements of each dimension and get the average.
10. Compute for the area (Area = length x width) of your room.
11. Do the same using a tape measure.
12. Compare the values you obtained.
PART D
13. Using whatever timing device you have available (timer, watch, etc.) close your eyes and
estimate the passing of 20 seconds.
14. Your time will start the moment you close your eyes.
15. Seek assistant to your siblings or parents for your time. When you open your eyes have your
siblings /parents give your time.
16. Record the actual time that passed in and repeat three more times.
PART E
17.Our eyes and minds can deceive us and produce errors in our measurements and
perceptions! Using observation only, answer the questions in the column on the left. Then
measure the objects to the nearest tenth of a millimetre. Then answer the questions in
column on the right. Can you trust your own eyes? Be honest! (Refer to the PART E table)
D. DATA AND OBSERVATION
PART A
Figure Measurement
_______________ cm
_______________ cm
_______________ cm
_______________ cm
_______________ cm

1
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268
General Physics 1
PART B
L
ength
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average
cm in cm in cm in
1
2
3
4
5
Computations(Slopes): Percentage Error:

1
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268
General Physics 1
PART C
Length Width Area
Trial 1 Trial 2 mean Trial 1 Trial 2 mean
Ruler
Tape measure
Which measuring device do you think gave
the most precise area of your bed? Explain.
Which measuring device do you think
gave the most accurate area? Explain.
PART D
Name Measured Time Average % error
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
Give at least 3 errors that you encountered in this activity and identify if it is random or
systematic and give ways on how to minimize these errors.
Errors Types of Error Ways to minimize the errors

1
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268
General Physics 1
PART E
References:
• Bauer, W. & Westfall, G. D., General Physics 1 (2016). McGraw-Hill Education. Abiva Publishing House, Inc.
• https://prettygoodphysics.wikispaces.com/file/view/Measurements.pdf/31102739/Measurements.pdf

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