Laboratory Manual High School Physics Lab Manual by OpenStax (Student Version) 3312
Table of Contents
Lab 1: Measurement, Precision, and Accuracy 7
Lab 2: Position and Speed of an Object 19
Lab 3: Acceleration 27
Lab 4: Newton’s Laws 36
Lab 5: Motion in Two Dimensions 50
Lab 6: Circular an...
,Lab 1: Measurement, Precision, and Accuracy
Physics, like other fields of science, is based on observation and experiment. A wide
diversity of measurements is routinely used in physics, including measurements of length,
volume, mass, and temperature. Making these measurements depends heavily on the ability to
make accurate and precise measurements.
Suppose you use a ruler to measure the length of a piece of string marked as 30.48 cm
(or 0.3048 m). Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the correct value for that
measurement. If you measure the string three different times and all three measurements are
very close to 30.48 cm, then the measurements are accurate. Precision refers to the difference
between a group of repeated measurements, also known as the spread of the measurements.
Precision also considers the range between measurements as well as how often you get
repeated measurements. For example, if the measurements of the string do not vary drastically,
then they are precise.
In this lab you will learn:
● how to measure volume using the displacement method;
● how to measure mass using a triple beam balance, spring scale, and electric balance;
● how to measure distance using rulers, meter sticks, and string.
7
, Activity 1: Measuring Volume (TEKS 2H; 2J)
Volume is defined as the amount of space that a substance or object occupies, or the
amount of space enclosed within a container. In this activity, you will be measuring the volumes
of three masses (of known volume) using a graduated cylinder. You will also learn how to
measure volume using the displacement method, in which an object is placed into a measured
container with a known volume of water. The fluid level changes when the object is fully
immersed, indicating the volume of the object. The displacement method is helpful for
measuring volume when an object is oddly shaped and it is hard to determine the dimensions
of an object.
Significant figures include figures read from the measuring instrument plus one
doubtful digit, which is retained and estimated by the observer. To determine the number of
significant figures for a measuring instrument, evaluate the resolution of the instrument to get
the known digits. Nonzero digits are always considered significant. However, zeros can function
as placeholders and are considered significant if they are surrounded by nonzero digits on both
sides. Zeroes to the right of significant figures, as in the case of 1000, are not significant unless
they are used to the right of a decimal, as in the case of 2.00. Zeroes to the left of significant
figures, as in the case of a decimal such as 0.005, are not considered significant unless there is a
nonzero digit to the left of the decimal, as in the case of 3.004.
Safety Precautions
● Place objects gently into the graduated cylinder to avoid breakage.
● Inform your teacher immediately of any broken glassware, as it could cause injuries.
● Clean up any spilled water or other fluids to prevent other people from slipping.
For this activity you will need the following:
● Water
● Solid objects that will sink
● Ruler marked in centimeters (cm)
● Graduated cylinder
For this activity, you will work in pairs.
8
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