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