Name(s): ______

Signature(s): ______

Measurement Mania

Introduction: In Chemistry you need to be able to use devices correctly in order to make accurate measurements and collect/analyze data. Being able to measure accurately is a very important process skill and today’s activity will help you to practice and reinforce these skills.

Objective:You will be able to make accurate and precise measurements and calculations by using the correct number of significant figures.

Part 1: You will have 1 minute at each station. For each station complete the task under the “Measure the…” column below. Record all measurements and calculations using the correct number of significant figures. After 1 minute you will rotate clockwise.

Station / Measure the… / Measurement with Unit
1 / Volume of the water / ______mL
2 / Volume of the water + beads / ______mL
3 / Mass of the metal / ______g
4 / Length of the block / ______cm
5 / Volume of the liquid / ______mL
6 / Length of the ribbon / ______cm
7 / Temperature of liquid / ______°C

Part II. Work on this part of the activity if you have extra time at any of the stations during part I, and/or after completing part I. For each problem, draw the markings on the ruler that was used to measure the item. Also, indicate the measurement of the item on the ruler you draw.

Example: A student properly records the length of a block as 72 cm.

  1. Draw a ruler that was used to measure the height of a birthday card as 16.75 cm.
  1. Draw a ruler that was used to measure the depth of a box as 40.3 cm.
  1. Draw a ruler that was used to measure the length of a plaque as 18 cm.

Analysis: To be completed in complete sentences.

  1. Explain why it is necessary to measure objects to the correct number of significant figures.
  1. Two instruments measure the same thing. Ruler A reports a value of 2.15 cm, and Ruler B reports a value of 2.155 cm. Which instrument is more precise? Explain.