The Calipers

Dec. 4, 2011 - 3rd Meeting of Physics 101.1

One of the hardest part in conducting an experiment is part where you record the data observed, especially if you are measuring in minute amounts. Technological advancements and the creation of new equipment have been the solution to these dilemmas since then. Making full use of these tools will constitute a much more innovative and productive scientific community. Our first activity in Physics 101.1 concerns the use of equipment to measure dimensions with enough precision and accuracy.

In this session, I, together with my group mates, learned how to use the vernier caliper, micrometer, and the commonly used ruler to measure the dimensions needed to find out the density of our solid sample. I didn't know the proper way of estimating figures and measurement until our lab instructor taught us how. I used the proper formulas to solve for the needed, and learned the usage of these calipers. 

Although we are unsure of having the right density, we still managed to learn the use of these equipment. We even started our second activity by measuring rice grains, a funny thing to do. Nevertheless, Physics 101.1 becomes harder every session.

- Bartz, 2011

Errors and Statistical Methods

Nov. 28, 2011 - 2nd Meeting of Physics 101.1 Lab with Ms. Aleena Laganapan

People naturally do errors everytime in their lives. However, these little conflicts and mistakes are shadows of their past, a way of learning the truth. Scientific errors are those which concerns scientific theories and experiments. Uncertainty and inaccuracy are always inevitable flaws that are constantly appalled by statistical methods. Luckily, in this meeting, we are taught how organize data and information to inconvience in reporting experimental results.

I learned the difference between taking a data as precise or accurate, the acceptablity and practicality of a data. Although there were hard equations that are to be memorized, this lesson is helpful enough for technical reports that I will be making after some time. 

Measurement and Significant Figures, A Recap

Nov. 21, 2011 - 1st Meeting of Physics 101.1 with Ms. Aleena Laganapan

In this first meeting, we had to discuss the importance of measurements and how they are organized using several methods like order of magnitude, significant figures, scientific notations, and the statistical best estimate. Although this was a fresh recap from our high school lessons, it was still worth the time because I have learned the difference of high school teachings to college conventions. And also, we met our lab instructor, Ms. Laganapan.

A simple recap is enough though there are new details that are being used in the University. Although it's a litte simple, I hope I don't get confused with these numbers; moreover, I have to live with these conventions until I graduate. I also made careless mistakes in my activity sheet. It's a shame because it was an easy test. Hehe.. 

For me, the lesson in this meeting is never to forget about the basics. These fundamental methods are very useful upon holding complicated equations and formulae. I hope in the next few meetings, I still get to remember them. -- Bartz, 2011