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You have decided to test three different methods for measuring the volume of a block. Your first step was to have a block machined from pure, solid aluminum. This is different from the production blocks which may have internal voids. You will weigh this block at room temperature. You plan to use the known density of aluminum to calculate the "true" volume of the block. You plan to assess both the accuracy and the precision of three other methods for measuring the volume of the block. Method 1 will simply involve measuring the length, width, and depth of the block. A quick check of the literature reveals that the volume can be calculated from these measurements. (It's left to you to find the appropriate formula.) Method 2 will involve dropping the block into a partially filled beaker of water. The volume of the water before the block is dropped in will be measured as will the volume of the water plus block after the block is dropped in. There is a scale on the side of the beaker that directly reads volumes. Since the outer surface of the block is impermeable (i.e. no water will soak into the block), the difference in the two volumes will correspond to the volume of the block. Method 3 will also involve displacing a fluid. This time, however, the beaker will initially be filled to the very top. When the block is dropped in, all the water that overflows will be collected and transferred to a graduated cylinder. The volume of this fluid, read from the graduated cylinder should equal that of the block. |
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last update: 01/24/00
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