Measurement and Uncertainty
Data Table 1: Determination of Uncertainty in Lab Balance
Trial Cup #1
Mass (g) Cup #1
Deviation from Average (g) Cup #2
Mass (g) Cup #2
Deviation from Average (g)
1
2
3
4
5
Average
Suppose you continued Activity 1 using a third plastic cup of the same type. Would you expect the average deviation from the average mass to be the same or different? Explain your answer.
Data Table 2: Determination of Uncertainty in Common Glassware
10-mL Graduated Cylinder 50-mL Graduated Cylinder 25-mL Erlenmeyer Flask 250-mL Beaker
Mass of empty glassware
Estimated volume of water
High volume interval
Low volume interval
Uncertainty
Mass of glassware with water
Mass of water
Which piece of glassware has the highest degree of precision? Why?
Data Table 3: Determination of Accuracy in Common Glassware
10-mL Graduated Cylinder 50-mL Graduated Cylinder 25-mL Erlenmeyer Flask 250-mL Beaker
Mass of water in Activity 2
Current water temperature
Density of water at room temperature
Calculated volume of water
Accuracy is gauged by comparing the measured value of a known standard to its true value. Assuming the mass of the water represents a standard for the true volume of water, which piece of glassware has the highest degree of accuracy? Why?
