Procedure: My partner Nina and I first recieved a block from the instructor. We measured the length, width and height of this block carefully (to three significant figures) and then found the volume by multiplying them together. We then used the density already given to us to find the mass; as density is equal to mass over volume, mass is equal to volume times density. Using the values we'd acquired, we found our calculated mass. Next, our instructor weighed our block, giving us our actual mass. With these two masses we calculated the percentage of error. We repeated the procedure only if the percentage of error was more than 5.
Data: We were able to get the calculated mass within the 5% margin for error on our first try. The calculated mass was 137.5 g, and the actual mass was 144.7 g, allowing us to scrape by with a percent error of 4.98%.
Conclusion: We were able to fulfill the purpose on our first try, although it was very close. There was some definite errors. My partner and I had issues with measuring accuracy; I in particular rounded most things that I thought were too small to eyeball to the nearest millimeter, resulting in a smaller number than had it been done with more care. As such, that is one thing I will do differently. Another, however, would be double-checking those values with my partner, and in general communicating more with them about the process. The main lesson we learned in this lab is how to calculate something's mass with just density and dimensions. We also learned to make measurements as precise as possible, and to communicate more with our partners about what we are doing.
