Uncertainty Lab

David Onyia (501243645) and Abdullah Al-Sameraie (501260564)

Course: PCS 211-01

Instructor: Jesse Tanguay

TA: Diana

Date: Jan 30, 2024

Introduction:

The main objective of this lab report is to find out the density of an unknown block of

material. This will result in being able to identify what material it is, as the value of density in

the experiment should be close to the true value of density of the material. Several measuring

devices were used to measure the dimensions of the unknown material. A vernier caliper and a

meter stick were used to measure width, height, and length. All together multiplied to find the

volume. Next, a three beam balance was used to measure the mass. Lastly, a graduated cylinder

and beaker were used to measure the volume. The uncertainty of each measurement taken was

also used to determine whether the results were accurate.

Theory:

This experiment revolves around the crucial concept of measurement uncertainty, a

pivotal aspect in scientific research. Measurement uncertainty pertains to the limitations and

potential errors associated with the instruments utilized in experiments. Accurately quantifying

and addressing these uncertainties is essential when presenting scientific findings. The primary

objective of this experiment is to identify an unknown material based on its density, employing

three different measurement methods. The core of this experiment lies in the calculation of

material density (ρ). Density signifies the mass (m) per unit volume (V) of a substance,

determined by the formula ρ = m/V. In this specific experiment, mass is measured using a triple

beam balance, while volume measurements are obtained through various single measurement

techniques. These calculations serve as foundational components for accurate material

identification. Three techniques were employed to determine volume (V). Initially, dimensions
were measured using a vernier caliper, multiplying them together for the calculation. The second

method involved using a meter-stick to measure dimensions and multiply them. The third

technique utilized a beaker and a graduated cylinder. To determine volume using this approach, a

graduated cylinder was filled with water, and the initial level was noted. Subsequently, the metal

object was gently placed in the beaker filled with water. The change in water level in the

graduated cylinder was measured to find the object's volume, with the option to subtract the

beaker's volume if necessary.

The formula used in the laboratory to calculate volume is:

Volume =Length×Width×Height

V = Volume L = Length W = Width H = Height

The formula used in the laboratory to calculate density is:

Density=Mass/Volume

p = Density M = Mass V = Volume

Measurement Volume (cm3) Mass (g) Density

Instrument (scale) (g/cm3)

Vernier 9.81 ± 0.0199 51.4±0.05g 5.24 ± 0.0109

Caliper g/cm^3
cm^3

Metre Stick 9.66±0.4 cm^3 51.4±0.05g 5.33±0.21

g/cm^3

Graduated 6.5±0.7 cm^3 51.4±0.05g 7.9±0.84

Cylinder g/cm^3
 Table 1A.

The table above represents the calculations of volume mass and density using the three

techniques spoken about under “Theory”

Uncertainty equations :
Uncertainty in volume (v)

δ𝑣 δ𝐿 2 δ𝑊 2 δ𝐻 2
𝑣
= ( 𝐿
) +( 𝑊
) +( 𝐻
)

v = Volume

l = Length

w = Width

h = Height

Uncertainty of density

δ𝑝 δ𝑚 2 δ𝑣 2
𝑝
= ( 𝑚
) +( 𝑣
)

p = density m= mass

Procedure:

Firstly, to identify the volume of the unknown object, the height, width, and length of the object

must be measured. To do this, a caliper and metre stick must be used. For the use of the caliper, align the

object in the caliper and close it as firmly as possible on the object to get accurate measurements. Read
and record the measurements. To use the metre stick, align the object of ‘0cm’ in order to prevent zero

error. Then measure length, width, and height of the object at eye level to prevent human error. Once

done, multiply all three values to identify the volume of the object. Also, take repeated measurements,

remove anomalous results, and find the average in order to increase accuracy and reduce errors.

Next, use a beaker and a graduated cylinder to also find the volume of the object. Fill both

apparatus with water of a known measurement. Then submerge the object into the water and take the

measurement of the water level at that instance. Lastly, subtract the water level with the object in it from

the water level without the object in it in order to identify the volume. Make sure to read the

measurements at the meniscus to prevent human error.Also, take repeated measurements, remove

anomalous results, and find the average in order to increase accuracy and reduce errors.

Lastly, to measure the mass of the object, use the three beam balance. Make sure the balance is

initially at 0g to remove zero error. Next, place the object on the balance and note down the result. Also,

take repeated measurements, remove anomalous results, and find the average in order to increase

accuracy and reduce errors.

Results:

Calculating the density using the Vernier Caliper measurements :

● Density (p):

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 (𝑚)
𝑝 = 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 (𝑉)

Calculating volume using the Vernier Caliper measurements :

● Volume (v)

𝑉 = 𝐿 * 𝑊 * 𝐻

𝑣 = 2. 01 ± 0. 0025 𝑐𝑚 * 2. 11 ± 0. 0025 𝑐𝑚 * 2. 31 ± 0. 0025 𝑐𝑚

3
𝑣 = 9. 796 𝑐𝑚

3
𝑣 = 9. 81 𝑐𝑚 rounded to 3 sig figs

Uncertainty in volume (v)

δ𝑣 δ𝐿 2 δ𝑊 2 δ𝐻 2
𝑣
= ( 𝐿
) +( 𝑊
) +( 𝐻
)

δ𝑣 0.0025 2 0.0025 2 0.0025 2

9.81
= ( 2.01
) +( 2.11
) +( 2.31
)

δ𝑣 = 9. 81 * 0. 002030

δ𝑣 = 0. 0199

3
So, volume : 9. 81 ± 0.0199 𝑐𝑚

● Density (p):

51.5 ±0.05 𝑔
𝑝 = 3
9.81 ± 0.0199 𝑐𝑚

3
𝑝 = 5. 24 𝑔/𝑐𝑚 rounded to 3 sig figs

● Uncertainty in density (p)

δ𝑝 δ𝑚 2 δ𝑣 2
𝑝
= ( 𝑚
) +( 𝑣
)
 δ𝑝 0.05 2 0.0199 2
5.24
= ( 95.5
) +( 9.81
)

δ𝑝 = 5. 24 * 0. 002095

δ𝑝 = 0. 0109

So, the density of the object according to the vernier caliper is approximately

3
5. 24 ± 0. 0109 𝑔/𝑐𝑚

Calculating the density using the meter stick measurements :

● Density (p):

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 (𝑚)
𝑝 = 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 (𝑉)

Mass : 51.5 ± 0.05 g

Calculating volume using the meter stick measurements :

● Volume (v)

𝑉 = 𝐿 * 𝑊 * 𝐻

𝑉 = 2. 0 ± 0. 05 𝑐𝑚 * 2. 1 ± 0. 05 𝑐𝑚 * 2. 3 ± 0. 05 𝑐𝑚

3
𝑉 = 9.66 𝑐𝑚

3
𝑉 = 9.66 𝑐𝑚 rounded to 3 sig figs

Uncertainty in volume (v)

δ𝑣 δ𝐿 2 δ𝑊 2 δ𝐻 2
𝑣
= ( 𝐿
) +( 𝑊
) +( 𝐻
)
 δ𝑣 0.05 2 0.05 2 0.05 2
9.66
= ( 2.0
) +( 2.1
) +( 2.3
)

δ𝑣 = 9. 66 * 0. 04079

δ𝑣 = 0.4

3
So, volume is 9.66 ± 0.4 𝑐𝑚

● Density (p):

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 (𝑚)
𝑝 = 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 (𝑉)

51.5 ± 0.05 𝑔
𝑝 = 3
9.66 ± 0.4 𝑐𝑚

3
𝑝 = 5. 3312 𝑔/𝑐𝑚

3
𝑝 = 5. 33 𝑔/𝑐𝑚 rounded to 3 sig figs

● Uncertainty in density (p)

δ𝑝 δ𝑚 2 δ𝑣 2
𝑝
= ( 𝑚
) +( 𝑣
)

δ𝑝 0.05 2 0.4 2
5.33
= ( 51.5 ) + ( 9.66 )

δ𝑝 = 5. 33 * 0. 041

δ𝑝 = 0. 21

3
So, the density (p) by using the meter stick is 5. 33 ± 0. 21 𝑔/𝑐𝑚
Calculating the density using water displacement :

● Density (p):

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 (𝑚)
𝑝 = 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 (𝑉)

● Mass (m) : 51. 5 ± 0. 05 𝑔

● Volume :

Refer to table 2D.

Material volume = Final water level - initial water level

16.5 ± 0. 50 ml - 10.0 ± 0. 50 ml = 6.5 ml

Conversion milliliters to centimeter cube:

3
𝑥 𝑚𝑙 1 𝑐𝑚
1
* 1 𝑚𝑙

3
6.5 𝑚𝑙 1 𝑐𝑚
1
* 1 𝑚𝑙

3
= 6. 5 𝑐𝑚

Uncertainty in volume (v)

2 2
δ𝑣 = (δ𝑖) + (δ𝑓)

2 2
δ𝑣 = (0. 50) + (0. 50)

δ𝑣 = 0.70

3
So, volume is 6.5 ± 0. 70 𝑐𝑚
 ● Density (p):

51.5±0.05𝑔
𝑝 = 3
6.5±0.70 𝑐𝑚

3
𝑝 = 7.9 g/𝑐𝑚

● Uncertainty in density (p)

δ𝑝 δ𝑚 2 δ𝑣 2
𝑝
= ( 𝑚
) +( 𝑣
)

δ𝑝 0.05 2 0.70 2
7.9
= ( 51.5 ) + ( 6.5
)

δ𝑝 = 7.9 * 0.107

δ𝑝 = 0.84

3
So, the density of the material using water displacement is 7.9 ± 0. 84 g/𝑐𝑚

Discussion:

In this experiment, we explored the realm of measurement uncertainty, a critical aspect in

physics and science overall. Our project, titled 'Material Identification by Density,' involved the

use of three distinct methods to identify an unknown substance based on its density. A crucial

aspect of our work involved meticulously assessing the uncertainty in our experiments, primarily

considering the precision of our measurement tools.

 To gauge the uncertainty in our measurements, our focus was primarily on the limitations

of our tools, following the experiment's instructions. However, it's crucial to note that external

factors such as changes in the environment or the experimenter's skill level can also impact our

results. While we typically concentrated on the limitations of our tools through a straightforward

approach, there were instances where these external factors played a significant role,

necessitating their consideration alongside tool-related uncertainties.

Considering these additional factors could potentially alter our conclusions, providing a

more comprehensive understanding of the various uncertainties involved and influencing how

we interpret our results.

It's important to distinguish clearly between uncertainty and percent error. Percent error

helps assess the accuracy of our measurements by indicating the deviation of our calculated

values from a widely accepted standard. On the other hand, uncertainty pertains to the limitations

of our measuring devices and our ability to comprehend those limitations. These two concepts

serve different purposes: percent error evaluates measurement precision, while uncertainty

focuses on potential percentage error .

● Finding the average density (𝑃𝑎𝑣𝑔)

Refer to table 1A.

𝑝1+𝑝2+𝑝3
𝑝𝑎𝑣𝑔 = 3

5.24+5.33+7.9
𝑝𝑎𝑣𝑔 = 3
 3
𝑝𝑎𝑣𝑔 = 6.15 g/c𝑚

● Uncertainty in average density (𝑃𝑎𝑣𝑔)

δ𝑝𝑎𝑣𝑔 δ𝑝1 2 δ𝑝2 2 δ𝑝3 2

𝑝𝑎𝑣𝑔
= ( 𝑝1
) +( 𝑝2
) + ( 𝑝3
)

δ𝑝𝑎𝑣𝑔 0.0109 2 0.21 2 0.84 2

6.15
= ( 5.24
) + ( 5.33 ) + ( 7.9
)

δ𝑝𝑎𝑣𝑔 = 6.15 * 0.113

δ𝑝𝑎𝑣𝑔 = 0.7

3
So, the average density is 6.15 ± 0. 7 g/c𝑚

3
Based on the average density value that we achieved of 6.15 g/c𝑚 and corresponding

with the material density table (Refer to table 1E.) the unknown metal that we were provided is

in the region of zinc - brass. Therefore the unknown metal is brass.

Conclusion:

In summary, this experiment highlighted the importance of addressing measurement

uncertainties in scientific endeavors. We endeavored to reveal the identity of an unknown

substance by comparing its density to established values. Despite grappling with uncertainties
tied mainly to the precision of our instruments, we successfully identified the unidentified

element as Iron based solely on density.

Our experiment not only underscored the significance of acknowledging and quantifying

uncertainty but also showcased how such diligence can lead to reliable results. This outcome

significantly enhances our understanding of the physical world and exemplifies the fundamental

role played by measurement precision in scientific exploration.

Wrap up Questions:

3
1. The average density is 6.15 ± 0. 7 g/c𝑚 . It is beneficial to report the average because

each of the different measuring devices gives us different values when calculating density. Thus,

an average of all the values improves the accuracy of the results and leads to less errors.

2. Other than measurement instrument uncertainty, other forms of uncertainties also occur.

Examples include operator, method, and environmental uncertainties. These sources of

uncertainty should be used instead of measurement instrument uncertainty when they greatly

outweigh it. This is because considering these factors would greatly change the uncertainty

values, hence, leading to the change of the report’s conclusion.

3. Percentage error is the difference between the actual value and the measured value in

percentage form while percentage uncertainty is the estimate of the range between them.
Therefore, in our report, it is needed to calculate the percent error in order to measure how close

our value was to the actual value and to see how reliable the results are.

4. We can make the conclusion that our value of density was quite accurate as the

percentage uncertainty was low. Furthermore, our value is very close to the theoretical value of

iron, which is what we suspected from our hypothesis.

References:

Toronto Metropolitan University. PCS 211. Uncertainty of Measurement and Report

Writing.

Appendices:

Vernier Caliper-

(3 significant figures)

Measurement 1 Measurement 2 Measurement 3 Average (cm)

(cm) (cm) (cm)
 Width 2.11 2.11 2.12 2.11

Height 2.30 2.31 2.31 2.31

Length 2.03 2.01 2.00 2.01

Volume= 9.80cm^3

Uncertainty: +- 0.0025

Meter Stick:

(2 significant figures)

Measurement 1 Measurement 2 Measurement 3 Average (cm)

(cm) (cm) (cm)

Width 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1

Height 2.3 2.4 2.3 2.3

Length 2.0 2.0 2.1 2.0

Volume= 9.7cm^3
Uncertainty: +- 0.5 cm

Three Beam Balance:

Measurement 1 Measurement 2 Measurement 3 Average (g)

(g) (g) (g)

Mass 51.5 51.5 51.4 51.5

Uncertainty: +- 0.5 g
Measuring Cylinder:

Volume Measurement 1 Measurement 2 Measurement 3 Average (cm^3)

(cm^3) (cm^3) (cm^3)

Without Object 10.00 20.0 30.0

With Object 16.5 26.7 36.5

Difference 6.50 6.70 6.50 6.57

Uncertainty: +- 0.1cm^3

Table 1E.