6-Mar-2017: Propagated Uncertainty in Measurements

Lab 3: Propagated Uncertainty in Measurements
1-Mar-2017
Idea: I have to calculate the uncertainty in the calculation of density of two objects following their measurements.
Summary: First, with regards to materials, in this lab we used a cylinder of aluminum and zinc. We also used an electronic scale, and a caliper that gives accurate measurements to a tenth of a cm.

1. We first took the mass of our zinc and aluminum. Then, we also measured the diameter and height of the cylinders, using the calipers.
   

   

   zinc (cm)
   

   

   zinc (cm)
   

   

   aluminum

   

   aluminum

2. After that, we were able to start our propagated uncertainty calculations.

Analysis:

1) We knew that because the electronic scale gave us a measurement to one decimal place, we had an uncertainty of ± .1 grams.

2) For our measurements of height and diameters, the calipers gave us an uncertainty of only ±.01 cm.

3) Thus, when calculating uncertainty, I knew that if my density were to be off, it would most likely be due to the larger uncertainty in the measurement of my masses.

Data

Calculations

Conclusion

As expected, the largest source of my measured uncertainties was from my masses. Another source of uncertainty was also in the calipers, but because they were accurate, yet calculated for volume, it did not contribute heavily to any kind of larger propagated uncertainty.