PHYS 200 Introductory Physics I | Lab 1: Significant Figures
& Uncertainty Measurements 2025 NEW UPDTE Athabasca
University
Lab 1: Significant Figures & Uncertainty Measurements
, INTRODUCTION
The purpose of any standard experiment is to determine how two (2) physical quantities
are related to each other. With quantitative measurements, there is always some
degree of uncertainty in measuring the values. For experimental research to be
meaningful, it is essential to understand the likelihood of sources of error, and the
limitations of the scientific instruments used through concepts such as significant
figures, and measurement uncertainty.
Significant figures are an important concept in physics because they help show the
precision of measurements, and provide a standardization of values for completing
calculations and performing experiments. In addition, significant figures also prevents
giving false values of precision (overstatement of accuracy); help verify values provided
in experiments and solutions, across different areas of disciplines are consistent; avoids
mathematical errors; and helps ensure measurements and designs for real-life
experiments are rational, consistent, and safe. Measurement uncertainty is another
important concept in physics because it helps quantify the value of error in
experimental results and measurements. This also helps clarify the reliability (and
accuracy) of experimental results and as such, improves experimental designs and
enhances scientific communication.
The experiment for Lab 1 is to understand the importance and rules of significant
figures and measurement uncertainty by studying the distance travelled by a vehicle
over a fixed interval of time.
PROCEDURE
The purpose of this scientific experiment is to calculate the average and instantaneous
speeds of a vehicle using significant figures and the uncertainty in the calculated values.
Data provided included the distance travelled at 10-minute intervals and the uncertainty
in the measurement of distance (δd = ±0.1 kilometre) and time (δtm = ±0.2 minutes).
Table L1.2 from Lab 1: Procedure section provided the distance travelled by the car
& Uncertainty Measurements 2025 NEW UPDTE Athabasca
University
Lab 1: Significant Figures & Uncertainty Measurements
, INTRODUCTION
The purpose of any standard experiment is to determine how two (2) physical quantities
are related to each other. With quantitative measurements, there is always some
degree of uncertainty in measuring the values. For experimental research to be
meaningful, it is essential to understand the likelihood of sources of error, and the
limitations of the scientific instruments used through concepts such as significant
figures, and measurement uncertainty.
Significant figures are an important concept in physics because they help show the
precision of measurements, and provide a standardization of values for completing
calculations and performing experiments. In addition, significant figures also prevents
giving false values of precision (overstatement of accuracy); help verify values provided
in experiments and solutions, across different areas of disciplines are consistent; avoids
mathematical errors; and helps ensure measurements and designs for real-life
experiments are rational, consistent, and safe. Measurement uncertainty is another
important concept in physics because it helps quantify the value of error in
experimental results and measurements. This also helps clarify the reliability (and
accuracy) of experimental results and as such, improves experimental designs and
enhances scientific communication.
The experiment for Lab 1 is to understand the importance and rules of significant
figures and measurement uncertainty by studying the distance travelled by a vehicle
over a fixed interval of time.
PROCEDURE
The purpose of this scientific experiment is to calculate the average and instantaneous
speeds of a vehicle using significant figures and the uncertainty in the calculated values.
Data provided included the distance travelled at 10-minute intervals and the uncertainty
in the measurement of distance (δd = ±0.1 kilometre) and time (δtm = ±0.2 minutes).
Table L1.2 from Lab 1: Procedure section provided the distance travelled by the car
