The purpose of this experiment was to perform calculations between mass, density, length, and volume using the metric system, while focusing on becoming familiar with using common measuring instruments. The experiment involved several measurements to calculate the density of certain items. In order to do so, you must divide the mass by the volume to get the density. During the measuring of different items, I also became more familiar with significant figures and the possibility of errors that can occur while using these devices.
According to the experiments and my observations, I noticed that measurements sometimes were not exact because of human error. For example, measuring water with the graduated cylinder and looking at it from different angles, can cause a discrepancy in the reading, which can also change the accuracy of the measurement. In order to get a more accurate reading from a graduated cylinder, you have to be at eye level to see the meniscus. Using the pipet appeared to be challenging as well. When counting and adding the water drops to the graduated cylinder to calculate how many drops it will take to fill up to the 1 ml line, I had to start over twice. More drops at a single time were added by mistake which also caused an inaccuracy in the reading.
In addition, trying to measure the mass of certain items with an electronic balance appeared to be somewhat of a challenge. For example, one part of the experiment required you to measure 5 grams of salt for a salt solution. I could not figure out how to get 5 grams of salt measured on such a tiny balance without grains falling off the scale. However, in order to do so, I had to use a cupcake paper and press tare on the scale in order to get a readable measurement.
Overall, the methods and devices allowed to obtain such measurements were pretty sufficient. However, in doing so, one must be extremely careful and patient when deciding what the measurement of a specific item is. Some possible causes...