Lab 1 - Completed

Lab 1 Worksheet Scientific Model and Measurements Name Sydney Hveem Section There are four sections to this investigation. The only item from the lab kit needed for this investigation is a cm ruler, although you can use any cm ruler you have on hand. It is expected that you have placed your order for the lab kit before the end of Week 1. Section 1: Definitions and Differentiation Read: OpenStax College Physics 1.1 , “Models, Theories, and Laws; the Role of Experimentation” section. In multiple sentences or a short paragraph, address the following prompts with enough detail to convey your understanding of these ideas in a scientific context. A. Discuss the meaning of a Scientific Model. What forms can a Scientific Model take? A model is a representation of something that is difficult to show directly. One example of this is modeling the solar system to explain the structure of an atom. Another form is creating a computer simulation. B. Discuss the meaning of a Scientific Theory. Differentiate between a Scientific Theory and a Hypothesis. A theory is an explanation of patterns in nature that is supported and verified by scientific evidence. This differs from a hypothesis as a hypothesis is a testable assumption made before research is done. A theory is formed from data. C. Discuss the meaning of a Scientific Law. Differentiate between a Scientific Law and a Scientific Theory. A law is concise language used to describe a generalized pattern in nature that is supported by scientific evidence and repeated experiments. The difference between a law and a theory is that a law is a concise and general statement whereas a theory is less concise.

Section 2: Modeling Constant Velocity Read: OpenStax College Physics 2.3 , “Time,” “Velocity”, and “Speed” sections. A. Consider the following situation: An object moves forward at a constant rate of 4 meters for each second. At time zero this object begins at 8 meters behind the origin, also known as – 8 meters from zero. Complete the provided data table of position and time that is consistent with this object’s motion from zero to ten seconds. B. From the data developed above, create a graphical model of this motion. You will need to create a graph using Excel or Google Sheets. The following graph requirements will be used throughout this course: a. The graph will be a Scatter Plot, also known as an XY Scatter b. There will be an applicable and appropriate title for the graph c. Each axis will be labeled with proper variables and corresponding units d. A best-fit line or curve will be applied as suggested by the data e. A corresponding or matching equation will be clearly representative of the provided best-fit. C. Paste the graph below: 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 f(x) = 4 x − 8 An Object's Position vs Time Time (seconds) Motion (meters) D. Explain how this graphical model can be used to determine the velocity and the starting position of the object. t (s) x (m) 0 -8 1 -4 2 0 3 4 4 8 5 12 6 16 7 20 8 24 9 28 10 32

Section 4: Measurements Remember this is a science course and your measurements will be conducted using metric system units. There is a data table provided below. Directions: 1. Obtain an object with a reasonably rectangular volume that can be measured. 2. Take a picture of the object and paste that image below: 3. Find the mass of the object and record that value in the data table provided.  If you do not have a mass scale at home, select an object with a known mass or one that can be researched. For instance, food items have a printed mass, or a cell phone’s mass could be found with a quick Internet search. 4. Using a cm ruler, measure and record the three dimensions of your selected object (length, width, height). 5. Repeat the measurements for a second trial. 6. Demonstrate a sample calculation for one trial to determine the volume of the rectangle. a. Show the equation to be used. b. Substitute the values for that trial into the equation. c. Solve and apply the appropriate units. Record the volume for each trial in the data table. 7. The simple average for the two volume values can be found by adding the volumes from the two trials and then dividing by the number of trials. Do this for the Average Volume based on your two measured trials and record it in the data table.

AverageVolume = Add volumeof allTrialstogether Number of Trials 8. Determine the % difference between your volume calculations for these two trials and record it in the data table. %Difference = Absolute value of volumedifference betweentwotrials ( Trial 1 − Trial 2 ) Average Volume ∗ 100 9. Consider the average density for your selected object and record it in the data table. Density = Mass AverageVolume Section 4 Data Table: Mass (g) 662.24 Trial 1 Trial 2 Length (cm) 18.5 18.4 Width (cm) 8.2 8.0 Height or Depth (cm) 1.1 1.2 Volume (cm 3 ) 166.8 176.6 Average Volume (cm 3 ) 171.7 Volume %Difference 5.7% Density (g/cm 3 ) 3.85 10. Based on this measurement activity, discuss the precision of your measurements. Use specific evidence to support your idea(s). The precision of my measurements was high as the each side measured was fairly close to each other. The length in Trial 1 was 18.5 cm and in Trial 2 it was 18.4 cm. The width in Trail 1 was 8.2 cm and in Trail 2 it was 8.0 cm. The depth in Trial 1 is 1.1 cm and in Trail 2 it is 1.2 cm.