Activity 1.8:
Aim: To measure, use and handle instruments with higher accuracy correctly
Materials and apparatus: Vernier calipers, micrometer screw gauge, digital electronic balance, digital ammeter, digital thermometer, clinical thermometer.
Instruction
1. Work in groups.
2. Each group has to conduct the following measuring activities by using higher accuracy instruments.
(a) Measure the thickness of the Form 1 Science textbook using the vernier calipers and micrometer screw gauge
(b) Measure the mass of the Form 1 Science textbook using a digital electronic balance
(c) Measure the electric current of a circuit using a digital ammeter
(d) Measure the body temperature with a clinical thermometer and a digital thermometer
3. Each group has to take three readings in order to obtain an accurate reading. State the average reading taken in the table below. Then, relate the smallest scale value on the measuring instrument to the accuracy of the reading.
The smallest scale value: _______________ .
4. Each group has to compare their readings obtained from Activity 1.7 with the reading obtained from this activity in terms of accuracy, consistency and sensitivity in the table below. Then, relate the smallest scale value on the measuring instrument to the sensitivity of reading. Make sure the units are recorded.
5. Present your findings in class.
Questions
1. Based on your findings, which measuring instrument is the most sensitive – ruler, vernier calipers or micrometer screw gauge?
2. Between the triple beam balance and digital electronic balance, which instrument can give a more precise and accurate reading?
Answer:
1. Micrometre screw gauge
2. Electronic balance
Aim: To measure, use and handle instruments with higher accuracy correctly
Materials and apparatus: Vernier calipers, micrometer screw gauge, digital electronic balance, digital ammeter, digital thermometer, clinical thermometer.
Instruction
1. Work in groups.
2. Each group has to conduct the following measuring activities by using higher accuracy instruments.
(a) Measure the thickness of the Form 1 Science textbook using the vernier calipers and micrometer screw gauge
(b) Measure the mass of the Form 1 Science textbook using a digital electronic balance
(c) Measure the electric current of a circuit using a digital ammeter
(d) Measure the body temperature with a clinical thermometer and a digital thermometer
3. Each group has to take three readings in order to obtain an accurate reading. State the average reading taken in the table below. Then, relate the smallest scale value on the measuring instrument to the accuracy of the reading.
The smallest scale value: _______________ .
4. Each group has to compare their readings obtained from Activity 1.7 with the reading obtained from this activity in terms of accuracy, consistency and sensitivity in the table below. Then, relate the smallest scale value on the measuring instrument to the sensitivity of reading. Make sure the units are recorded.
5. Present your findings in class.
Questions
1. Based on your findings, which measuring instrument is the most sensitive – ruler, vernier calipers or micrometer screw gauge?
2. Between the triple beam balance and digital electronic balance, which instrument can give a more precise and accurate reading?
Answer:
1. Micrometre screw gauge
2. Electronic balance