Physics Lab 1 Skills Test Notes

Physics Lab 1 Skills Test Notes

Date: 1/17/26

Purpose

  • Objective:

    • Find the density of solid cylinders by measuring diameter, height, and mass.

    • Utilize density to identify the material of the cylinders.

Instruments Used

  • Vernier Caliper

    • Purpose: Measures diameter and height precisely.

    • Characteristics:

    • Can measure small dimensions accurately and precisely.

    • Smallest measurement increment is 0.05 mm.

  • Electronic Balance

    • Purpose: Measures mass of the cylinders.

Vernier Caliper Reading Procedure

  • How it Works:

    • Read the main scale for the whole millimeters (mm).

    • Find the Vernier line that aligns with the main scale.

    • Calculate the measurement:

    • Formula:

      • Measurement = Main Scale + (Vernier Line x 0.05 mm)

  • Example Calculation:

    • If the main scale reads 7 mm and the Vernier line reads 16:

    • Calculation:

      • Measurement = 7 mm + (16 x 0.05 mm) = 7.8 mm

Density Calculation

  • Formula:

    • Density (D) is calculated as:

    • D=MVD = \frac{M}{V}

      • Where M = mass and V = volume.

Density of Common Materials

  • Aluminum:

    • Density ~ 2700 kg/m³ (low density)

  • Copper:

    • Density ~ 8960 kg/m³ (high density)

Percent Difference

  • Definition:

    • Represents how close the experimental value is to the handbook value.

    • Smaller percent difference indicates higher accuracy.

Physical Properties

  • Physical properties can be quantified and measured numerically:

    • Mass: How heavy an object is.

    • Length: How long an object is.

    • Time: How long an action takes.

    • Speed: How fast an object moves.

    • Volume: How much space an object occupies (cubic measurement).

    • Density: How heavy an object is in a defined volume.

Systems of Units

  • SI Units to Remember:

    • Length: meters (m)

    • Mass: kilograms (kg)

    • Time: seconds (s)

  • Conversions to Note:

    • 1 inch = 2.54 cm

    • 1 mile = 1.609 km

    • 3600 seconds = 1 hour

Lab Performance

  • General Notes on Tests:

    • Test 1 is considered harder than Test 2 or the Final for the course.

    • Each lab assignment is worth 25 points.

  • Relevant Chapters:

    • Chapter 19: Vibration & Waves.

    • Chapter 20: Sound.

Important Conversion Rule

  • Simplified Conversion Rule:

    • Multiply by fractions that equal 1 to make conversions easier.

    • Example:

    • To convert miles per hour (mph) to meters per second (m/s), multiply by:

      • 1609 meters1 mile\frac{1609 \text{ meters}}{1 \text{ mile}} and 1 hour3600 seconds\frac{1 \text{ hour}}{3600 \text{ seconds}}

    • Units cancel, leaving the answer in m/s.

Volume Considerations

  • Volume Definition:

    • Volume is calculated in cubic measurements:

    • For example:

      • Volume = Length^3 (for a cubical object)

Area Considerations

  • Area Definition:

    • Area is calculated in square measurements:

    • For example:

      • Area = Length^2