Physics Lab Report Number 1 (Group 3)

Serial Number Name Registration Number

1 Faras Ayub Awan 522089

2 Mughees Abbas 502728

3 Muhammad 524734
Rukhshan Butt

4 Ahmed Faheem 524864

5 Muhammad Ali 506225

Azfar
Task 1:
Abstract:
This experiment was performed to calculate the area and perimeter of a wooden table. Each
student took several independent measurements of the tables Length “l” and Width “w”.
Using these values Area and Perimeter of the table was found out, alongside their respective
errors.

Apparatus Used:
● Metre Rule
● Table

Procedure:
 We start our task by measuring the lengths and widths of the table.
 We create a table to record our readings, ensuring they are correct to the significant
figures, and we also note the errors of the readings.
 We take 1-2 sets of measurements for both the length “l” and width “w.”
 Next, we calculate the average of our sets of readings and then find the overall
average for all values of “l” and “w” separately.
 We then calculate the standard deviation for “l” and “w” using the following formula:


¿
√ (X 1− Xavg)2 +(X 2−Xavg)2 +(X 3− Xavg)2 +(X 4−Xavg)2 +( X 5−Xavg)2 )

Standard error:Type equation here .

N −1

S
=
√N
 law of propagation of uncertainty:

=
√( dx)
df 2 2 df 2
dx +( ) (dy)2
dy

 Hence, we calculated the area and the perimeter of the table by the formula provided
below alongside their respective errors.
Perimeter Formula,
P=2(L+W)
Area Formula,
 A=(L*W)

Data Analysis:

Sr. No. Length (cm) Width (cm)

1 90.6 31.0

2 90.5 31.2

3 90.7 31.0

4 90.2 31.1

5 90.5 31.1

Average Length (Lavg) Average Width (Wavg)

90.5 31.1

Standard Deviation For Length:

SL¿
√
(L1−Lavg)2+(L 2−Lavg)2+( L 3−Lavg)2 +( L 4−Lavg)2 +(L5−Lavg)2

2 2
N −1
SL =√ (((90.6-90.5) + (90.5 − 90.5) + (90.7 − 90.5)2 + (90.2 − 90.5)2 + (90.5 − 90.5)2 )/4)
= 0.187cm

Standard Error For Length:

Sl
Standard Error =
√N
= 0.187/√5
= 0.0836cm

Standard Deviation For Width:

SW ¿
√
( W 1−Wavg )2 + ( W 2−Wavg )2+ ( W 3−Wavg )2 + ( W 4−Wavg )2+ ( W 5−Wavg )2

2 2
N−1
SW =√ (((31.0-31.1) + (31.2 − 31.1) + (31.0 − 31.1)2 + (31.1 − 31.1)2 + (31.1 − 31.1)2 )/4)
= 0.0866cm

Standard Error For Width:

Sw
Standard Error =
√N
= 0.0866/√5
= 0.0387cm

Law Of Propagation Of Uncertainty:

√( dx )
df 2 2 df 2
dx +( ) (dy)2

a) f= x+y // Perimeter = 2(L+W)

dy

Perimeter = 2(Lavg + Wavg )

= 2(90.5+31.1)
=243.6 cm
σf/σx = 1+0
=1
σf / σy = 0+1
=1
σf = √ (1)2 (0.0836)2 +(1)2 (0.0387)2
= 0.0921
Perimeter Error = 2*σf
= 0.184cm
0.184
Percentage Error Perimeter = ∗100
243.6
Percentage Error Perimeter = 0.07%
b) f= x*y // Area = (L*W)
Area = Lavg * Wavg
= 90.5 * 31.1
= 2814.55 cm2
A = Abest + σA
Abest = 2814.55 cm2
σx , σy
σf/σy = x ( in this case Lavg)
σf/σx = y ( in this case Wavg)
σf = √ (31.1)2 (0.0836)2 +(90.5)2 (0.0387)2
σA = 4.36 cm2
σf =4.36 cm2
4.36
Percentage Error Area = ∗100
2814.55
Percentage Error Area = 0.15%
Results and Conclusion:
 Perimeter: 243.6 ± 0.184cm
 Area: 2814.55 ± 4.36 cm2
 Percentage error of Perimeter: 0.07%
 Percentage error of Area: 0.15%
There is a slight percentage error present in the analysis which could have been generated by
systematic or random error.
Discussion:
A faulty Apparatus can be a cause of error, as a run-down apparatus won’t allow the student
to take accurate measurements. The Improvements for this experiment are to use accurate
and good condition apparatuses.

Q1: What percentage of our readings did we consider as potentially affected by measurement
errors?
A: We estimated that approximately 1-5% of our readings might have been influenced by
measurement errors.

Q2: What impact do measurement errors have on the overall experiment results?
A: Measurement errors can lead to inaccurate conclusions, affecting the validity of our
findings. Understanding and quantifying these errors allows us to assess the reliability of our
results more accurately.

Q3: What role does standard deviation play in evaluating our data?
A: Standard deviation provides a measure of the variability in our measurements. It helps us
understand how much our individual readings differ from the average, indicating the
consistency of our data.

Q4: How does the standard error relate to the confidence in our averages?
A: The standard error reflects the precision of our average measurements. A smaller standard
error indicates greater confidence in the accuracy of our average, suggesting that our
measurements are more reliable.

Q5: Why is it essential to calculate the area and perimeter errors?

A: Calculating the errors associated with area and perimeter is important because it allows us
to quantify the uncertainty in our results. This provides a clearer picture of the reliability of
our findings and helps us make informed conclusions.
Task 2:
Abstract:
This experiment was performed to calculate gravity using simple pendulum oscillations with
a fixed length. First the length of the thread was calculated then the pendulum was displaced
by a fixed length each time for every set of 10 oscillations. Once the readings were recorded
then standard deviation of Time and Then g (gravitational acceleration) was found. Alongside
percentage error.

Apparatus Used:
● Bob
● Thread
● Clamp Stand
● Stopwatch
● Ruler
● Vernier Calliper

Procedure:
 We attach the bob to the clamp using the thread, then measure the length of the
pendulum as "l".
 We calculate the radius of the bob by determining its diameter with vernier callipers.
First, we displace the pendulum from its initial point to a fixed point for all readings
to avoid errors.
 Then, we release the pendulum from one side and simultaneously start our stopwatch
to record the time taken for 10 oscillations.
 We record the value in a table with the correct significant figures.
 Each of us repeats the experiment 1-2 times, then we take the average of the times to
find the average time for 10 oscillations, dividing it by 10 to get the time period for
one oscillation.
 Finally, we calculate the standard deviation of the time 𝑇 and then the standard error
using the given formula. Standard Deviation (S).

¿
√
Standard error.
(X 1− Xavg)2 +(X 2−Xavg)2 +(X 3− Xavg)2 +(X 4−Xavg)2 +( X 5−Xavg)2
N −1

S
=
√N
Find g using,
2
4π l
gexp= 2
T
Find percentage error,
( Measured Value− Actual Value)
= ∗100
Measured Value

Data Analysis:

Sr Number Time for 10 Oscillations (s)

1 12.03

2 12.16

3 12.22

4 12.37

5 12.22

Length of wire (L) Displacement from initial Average Time (Tavg)

point of the pendulum

35.2cm 20cm 12.20s

Standard Deviation of Time:

ST ¿
√
( T 1−Tavg )2+ ( T 2−Tavg )2 + ( T 3−Tavg )2+ (T 4−Tavg )2 + ( T 5−Tavg )2
N −1
ST = √(((12.03 - 12.20) + (12.16 - 12.20)2 + (12.22 - 12.20)2 + (12.37 - 12.20)2 + (12.22 -
2

12.20)2 )/ 4)
ST = 0.157s

Standard Error For Time:

ST
Standard Error =
√N
= 0.157 / √5
= 0.0702s

Find g and its percentage error:

T = 2π√(L/g)
T2= 4π2(L/g)
 2
4π l
gexp= 2
T

σg/σL = 4π2T2
σg/σT = σ/σT (T-2*L*4π2)
σg/σT = -2*T-3*L*4π2
σg/σT = -8π2/T-3
g = gbest + σg
gbest = 4π2L/ Tavg2
gbest = (4π2*35.2)/(12.202)
gbest = 9.33ms-2

σg= g*((2*σT)/Tavg)
σg= 0.107ms-2
( Measured Value− Actual Value)
Percentage error = ∗100 100
Measured Value
= (9.81-9.33/9.81) *100
=4.89%

Results and Conclusion:

 g: 9.33 ms-2
 Percentage Error g: 4.89%
The value of g which we calculated from this experiment is not close to the actual value g.
Hence Systematic and Random errors might have taken place, at some instant of the
experiment.

Discussion:

Sources of Error: Human reaction time in using the stopwatch.

Slight variations in release angle of the pendulum.

Improvements: Use an automated timing system for more precise measurements.

Q: Why is it important to measure the length of the pendulum accurately?

A: The length directly affects the period of the pendulum, which is crucial for calculating g.

Q: What role does the diameter of the bob play in the experiment?

A: The diameter helps calculate the radius, which can be relevant for understanding the
pendulum's geometry and its effect on motion.

Q: Why do we measure the time for 10 oscillations instead of one?

A: Measuring multiple oscillations reduces timing errors and increases the accuracy of the
period measurement.

Q: How can air resistance affect the results?

A: Air resistance can slow the pendulum, potentially leading to a longer measured period and
an inaccurate calculation of g.