Lab Techniques

Measuring Distance• Length =

the distance between two points

• Always use a metric ruler!

1 2 3 4 5

How to read a metric ruler

1 2 3 4 5cmcm

Value =

Always estimate the last digitAlways estimate the last digit

1.67 cm

mmmm

What is the length indicated below?What is the length indicated below?

Volume• the amount of

space something occupies

• Calculating volume of a cube

L x W x H

Check for Understanding:

Determine the volume of a cube that is 3 cm x 2 cm x 5 cmAnswer: 30 cm3

Volume•Of a liquid Use a Graduated Cylinder

Read the bottom of the curve of liquid (meniscus)

The volume of water in this cylinder is 6.62 mL

Check for Understanding

What is the volume of the liquid in this cylinder?Answer:

52.7 mL

What is the volume of the rock?

• of an irregular object

rock

Volume

Answer: 15 mL

Mass• the amount matter in a

substance• measured

In grams (g) Using either a triple beam

balance or an electronic balance

How to use a triple beam balance

Move the ridersuntil the pointer is zeroed

How to use a triple beam balance

Place the object to be massed on the scale.Re-zero the

pointer

Massadd all the riders

373.35 g

CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDINGWhat mass is indicated below?

137.40 g

Temperature

is how hot or cold something is

Science uses Celcius not Farenheit

Reading a Celsius themometer

What is the Celsius temperature on the thermometer to the right?answer: 12.1 C

Measuring Time and Temp

Your Turn!Your Turn! What is the celcius

temperature of the thermometer to the right?

answer: 13.8 oC

Temperature

Indicates how acidic or alkaline a solution is.

pH

•Fold the filter paper in half•Fold in half again and tear

off a small corner. •Form into a

cone with the torn side fitted against the funnel.

Folding Filter Paper