PASCO ME-9849 Significant Figures Set - Manual (Page 16)

Significant Figures Set Volume Measurements with a Graduated Cylinder
14 ®
Procedure
1. Measure the volume of each liquid sample. Use significant figures.
2. Record your measurements in the data table on the board.
Post-Lab Discussion
When all students are done, write the accepted values at the top of the data table. Discuss the
technique students used to measure the volume. At this time describe the meniscus. Address the
effect of technique as it applies to precision.
Questions:
1. Sketch the section of one of your graduated cylinders that contains the meniscus. Label the
spot that must be measured.
2. Were your results precise?
3. Were your results accurate?
4. In this activity, graduated cylinders were used as opposed to a meter stick. When a meter stick
is used, parallax influences the precision. Other than taking into account the meniscus, what
techniques were necessary to optimize the precision of the measurement?
Group # Sample 1 (mL) Sample 2 (mL) Sample 3 (mL) Sample 4 (mL)
1
2
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4
5
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8