FIE School of Engineering

Jason Kean Shern Kye

Taylors University
0325002

PRACTICAL 1
MEASUREMENTS AND UNCERTAINTY

NAME
STUDENT ID

:
:

GROUP MEMBERS :

LECTURER

0325002
1. ALVIN LU JUN YI
2. CHENG EURENE
3. DANIEL OOI EN YAO
4. LEE CHYI JYH

FOUNDATION OF ENGINEERING
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
TAYLORS UNIVERSITY
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JASON KEAN SHERN KYE

MR. STEVEN HOO CHOON LIH

Date of Experiment:25th August 2015

Report due date: 15th September 2015
Report submission date: 5th September
2015
Checked by:
Item/marks
Format/10
Abstract and Introduction/10
Figures and Diagrams/15
Materials and Method/10
Results Discussions/45
References/10
Total

FIE School of Engineering

Jason Kean Shern Kye
Taylors University
0325002

MALAYSIA

CONTENTS

Abstract
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Experimental Design
2(a) Materials
2(b) Methods
2(c) Procedure
3.0 Results and Discussion
3(a) Part A
3(b) Part B
3(c) Part C
3(a) Part D

4.0 Conclusions and Recommendations

References.

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FIE School of Engineering

Jason Kean Shern Kye
Taylors University
0325002

ABSTRACT
This experiment is to demonstrate the concept of absolute uncertainties and percentage(%)
uncertainties over different measurements types[1]. Part A consist of measuring the thickness
of a weight cell using various instruments. Part B consist of measuring the diameter of a
copper wire multiple times with a Micrometre screw gauge. Part C consist of calculating the
density of a pendulum bob using water displacement method. Part D consist of calculating the
gravitational pull by measuring the time taken for 1 complete oscillation. The uncertainty was
then calculated from the various measurements of their respective physical quantities[3].
From the various experiments, it is observed that uncertainties exists whenever a
measurement is taken.

1.0 Introduction
This experiment is to demonstrate the fundamental concept of absolute uncertainties and
percentage(%) uncertainties over different measurements types[2]. This whole experiment
concise of a total of 4 parts, which are Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D.

In Part A:
The thickness of a weight cell was measured using multiple measuring instruments which are
the Meter rule, Vernier calliper and a Micrometre screw gauge. The average thickness of the
weight cell was calculated. The value of percentage(%) uncertainty of the thickness of the
weighted cell that were measured by the 3 measuring instruments were determined using the
formula as below:
%t=

t
100
t

Where t represents the average thickness (mm), and t represents the uncertainty (mm).

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FIE School of Engineering

Jason Kean Shern Kye
Taylors University
0325002

In Part B:
The diameter of a copper wire was measured in different directions using an instrument
which is a Micrometre screw gauge. The average diameter of the copper wire was calculated
with the collected data. The value of percentage(%) uncertainty of the copper wires diameter
was calculated using the formula as below:
%d=

d
100
d

Where d represents the average diameter (mm), d represents the uncertainty (mm).

In Part C:
The mass of the pendulum bob was determined using a weight balance. The average weight of
the pendulum bob was calculated. Later, the volume of the pendulum bob was measured
through a process called water displacement method. The density of the pendulum bob was
calculated using the formula as below:
=

m
V

3
represents the density(g cm ), m represents the mass(g), V represents the volume(

cm 3 ).
The value of percentage(%) uncertainty of the density of the pendulum bob was calculated
using the formula as below:
%=

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100

FIE School of Engineering

Jason Kean Shern Kye
Taylors University
0325002

Where

represents the density(g cm3 ),

3
represents the uncertainty(g cm ).

In Part D:
The time taken for 20 oscillations of the pendulum bob was measured using a stopwatch.
Later, the period of the pendulum bob was calculated using the formula as below:
T=

t
20

Where T represents the period (s), t represents the time taken for 20 oscillations (s).
The value of gravitational pull, g was calculated using the formula as below:
T =2

l
g

2
Where g represents gravitational pull( m/ s ), T represents the period (s), l represents the

length of the thread(cm).

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FIE School of Engineering

Jason Kean Shern Kye
Taylors University
0325002

2.0 Experimental Design

Part A
Weight cell

Meter rule

Figure 1.1 Measuring weight cell with Meter rule

Vernier calipers

Weight cell
Figure 1.2 Measuring weight cell with Vernier calipers
Weight cell

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FIE School of Engineering

Jason Kean Shern Kye
Taylors University
0325002

Micrometer screw gauge

Part

Figure 1.3 Measuring weight cell with Micrometer screw gauge

Copper wire

Micrometer screw gauge

Figure 2.1 Measuring copper wire with Micrometer screw gauge

Part C

Measuring cylinder

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FIE School of Engineering

Jason Kean Shern Kye
Taylors University
0325002

Pendulum bob

Figure 3.1 Measuring volume of pendulum bob using water

displacement method
Part D

Figure 4.1 Student-built pendulum bob

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FIE School of Engineering

Jason Kean Shern Kye
Taylors University
0325002

2(a) Materials
The list below is the complete materials and apparatus required for all the parts of the
experiment.
Part A
Vernier Calliper
Metre Ruler
Weight Cell
Micrometre Screw Gauge

Part B
Copper wire (s.w.g. 22)
Micrometre Screw Gauge

Part C
Pendulum bob
3
3
Measuring Cylinder ( 25 cm 50 cm )

Ruler
Weight balance
30cm thread

Part D

50cm string
Pendulum bob
Stopwatch
Wooden block
Retort stand and clamp

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FIE School of Engineering

Jason Kean Shern Kye
Taylors University
0325002

2(b) Methods
Part A
The thickness of the weight cell is measured twice by using multiple measuring instruments
which are the Meter rule, Vernier caliper, Micrometer screw gauge. The average thickness of
the weight cell for different measuring instruments were taken for a more accurate result. The
percentage (%) uncertainty of the thickness of the weighted cell of each instrument was
calculated.
Part B
The diameter of the copper wire were measured at 5 different directions along the copper
wire. The average diameter of the copper wire was taken for a more accurate and precise
result. The shape of the copper wire have to be constant as it will affect the accuracy and
precision of the result and data, therefore the Micrometer screw gauge must not be tighten too
tightly as it might change the shape of the copper wire. The percentage (%) uncertainty of the
diameter of the copper wire was calculated.
Part C
The weight of the pendulum bob is measured twice using a weight balance. The average
weight of the pendulum bob is taken to obtain a more accurate result. Wind conditions will
affect the reading of the pendulum bob on the weight balance, therefore all fans are switched
off before weighing the pendulum bob. The pendulum bob is then inserted into a measuring
3
cylinder containing 25 c m

of distilled water. The volume of the pendulum bob is

calculated. The density and (%) uncertainty of density of the pendulum bob was calculated.
Part D
The length of the simple pendulum is measured and calculated from the pint of suspension to
the center of the pendulum bob. Wind resistance will be a factor that might affect the
swinging motion and time taken for 20 oscillation, therefore all fans will be switched off
before releasing the pendulum bob from and angle of approximately 30. The experiment was
repeated at a total of 3 times. The average time taken for 20 oscillation will be taken for
calculation to obtain a more accurate result. The swinging action is repeated if the swing
becomes elliptical, as it will affect the result. The value of gravitational pull was calculated.

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FIE School of Engineering

Jason Kean Shern Kye
Taylors University
0325002

2(c) Procedure
Part A
1

A meter rule is used to measure the thickness, t of the weight cell.

Step 1 is repeated by using a Vernier calliper, and a Micrometre screw gauge.

The uncertainties of the measurements of each measuring instrument were calculated.

The results obtained were recorded and tabulated in Table 1.1.

Part B
1

A Micrometre screw gauge was used to measure the diameter, d of the copper wire
five (5) times along the length of the wire from different directions.

The uncertainties of the measurements were calculated.

The results obtained were recorded and tabulated in Table 1.2.

Part C
1

A weight balance was used to measure the weight of the pendulum bob.

A measuring cylinder was filled with water and the volume is measured.

The new volume was taken when the pendulum was immersed inside the measuring
cylinder.

The results obtained were recorded, calculated and tabulated in Table 1.3.

Part D
1

The experimental equipment is set up as shown in Figure 1.4. A metre rule was used to
adjust the length, l of the pendulum to approximately 40cm. (The length was measured
from the pint of suspension to the centre of the ball)

The bob is displaced from its equilibrium position at approximately 30, the bob was
then released to allow it to oscillate back and forth.

A stopwatch was used to measure the time taken for 20 complete oscillation.

The results obtained were recorded, calculated and tabulated in Table 1.4.

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FIE School of Engineering

Jason Kean Shern Kye
Taylors University
0325002

3.0 Results and Discussion

3(a) Part A
Thickness of a weight cell
Instrument

Reading

Average uncertainty

Ruler

t (mm)

8.00

8.00

8.00 1mm

Vernier Caliper

t (mm)

7.10

7.10

7.10 0.02mm

t (mm)
6.95
Table 1.1

6.95

6.95 0.01mm

Micrometer Screw Gauge

Discussion:
I.

a) % uncertainty of thickness, t for meter rule:

%t=

t
100
t

%t=

1
100
8.00

%t= 12.50

b) % uncertainty of thickness, t for Vernier calipers:

%t=

t
100
t

%t=

0.02
100
7.10

%t= 0.2817

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FIE School of Engineering

Jason Kean Shern Kye
Taylors University
0325002

c) % uncertainty of thickness, t for Micrometre screw gauge:

%t=

t
100
t

%t=

0.01
100
6.81

%t= 0.1468
II.

The value of % uncertainty of thickness, t of the weight cell for Micrometre screw gauge
is the smallest, followed by the Vernier calliper and the metre rule. Thus, the Micrometre
screw gauge will provide a more precise and accurate measurement for the thickness, t of
the weight cell, followed by the Vernier calliper and metre rule.

3(b) Part B
Diameter of a copper wire
Readings

Average uncertainty

Diameter (mm)

0.78

0.76

0.75

0.80

0.79

0.78 0.01mm

Table 1.2
Discussion:
I.

Average diameter , d of copper wire=

0.78+0.76+0.75+ 0.80+0.79
5

0.78 0.01 mm
II.

a) % uncertainty of diameter, d of the copper wire:

%d=

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d
100
d

FIE School of Engineering

Jason Kean Shern Kye
Taylors University
0325002

%d=

0.01
100
0.78

%d= 1.2821

3(c) Part C
Mass and Volume of pendulum bob
Volume before

3
30.0 0.5 cm

Volume after

3
33.0 0.5 cm

Volume of pendulum bob

3
3.0 0.5 cm

Mass of pendulum bob

Discussion:

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28.03 0.01g

FIE School of Engineering

Jason Kean Shern Kye
Taylors University
0325002

I. The density of pendulum bob,

=

m
28.03
=
=9.34 g cm3
V
3.00

The absolute uncertainty of the density :

II. The % uncertainty of the density,

%=

0.01 0.5
+
9.34=1.56 g cm3
28.03 3.0

1.56
100 %=
100 %= 16.7024

9.34

III. Ways to minimise the error through improving the measurement:

a) Use a measuring cylinder of a smaller sensitivity to increase accuracy of the
measurement.
b) Calculate the volume of the pendulum bob using the formula below:
4
V = r 3 V represents the volume of pendulum bob(c m3 , r represents the
3
radius of pendulum bob(mm).
The radius will be calculated through the diameter of the pendulum bob measured
using a Micrometer screw gauge.
c) Take the reading of volume when the eye-level is parallel to the meniscus level in the
measuring cylinder to avoid parallax error.

3(d) Part D
Time taken for 20 oscillations

Time taken (s) for 20 oscillations

1

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Average uncertainty

FIE School of Engineering

Jason Kean Shern Kye
Taylors University
0325002

24.7

25.3

24.5

24.8 0.2s
Table 1.4

Discussion
I.

Period, T (Time taken for 1 complete oscillation):

T=

II.

24.8
T =1.24 s
20

Value of g, gravitational pull:

T =2

g=

2
10.2828 ms

Uncertainty of g :

III.

l
0.4
0.4
0.4
1.24=2
0.1973=
0.0389=
g
g
g
g

[ (

)]

1
0.2
+ 2
10.28= 0.14 mm s2
400
24.8

0.14 103 m s2

Error of limitations for this experiment:

-

Swinging motion of the pendulum does not always oscillate along the vertical plane.

The distance between the pint of suspension to the center of the pendulum bob cannot
be measured accurately and precisely at a length 40cm.
-

IV.

The reaction time of the person measuring the time taken with a stopwatch.

Improvements that could be made to the experiment:

-

The angle of displacement of 30 can be made constant with the usage of a protractor.

Carrying the experiment in an air-tight facility or in a vacuum space to minimize wind

resistance.

Using a stopwatch of a higher sensitivity to improve the accuracy of the reading.

4.0 Conclusions and Recommendations

The occurrence of absolute uncertainty will always be present in every measurement made.
The more accurate the measurements will be when the value of percentage(%) uncertainty is
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FIE School of Engineering

Jason Kean Shern Kye
Taylors University
0325002

smaller. This series of experiments was to demonstrate and educates us on the usage of
absolute uncertainties and percentage(%) uncertainties to achieve a more accurate and precise
result and data. Through this experiment, we managed to identify that the Micrometre screw
gauge was the most accurate instrument in measuring length in comparison with the Vernier
calliper and Metre rule as it achieved a lower value of percentage(%) uncertainty than the
Vernier calliper and Metre rule. In part D, we managed to determine the final measurement of
the gravitational pull, g which was

10.2828 m s2

compared to the accepted value

9.8 m s2 . The difference of value between the experimental value and the theoretical value
may be affected by factors like air resistance and the reaction time of the measurer with the
stopwatch.

REFERENCES
Works Cited
1. OOI, FERNGLIN. PHY3015 PHYSICS 1. SUBANG JAYA : TAYLOR'S UNIVERSITY, 2014.
2. LOH, KAI MING. PHY30105 PHYSICS 1, SUBANG JAYA : TAYLORS UNIVERSITY, 2015.
3.ANDERS, J. Absolute uncertainty and Relative uncertainty : UNIVERSITY OF VISTORIA, 2006. Available
from: http://web.uvic.ca/~jalexndr/192UncertRules.pdf

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