Physics·General Physics · NSSCO 2.1
Measuring length, time & volume
Narrated lesson · press play
Before we can explain anything in physics, we first have to measure it — and measure it well. In this lesson we learn to measure LENGTH (with a rule, a tape and precision tools for tiny lengths), VOLUME (of a liquid at the meniscus, and of any solid — even a knobbly stone — by displacement), and TIME (with a stopwatch, and the steady swing of a pendulum). And all the way through, the correct units.
What you'll learn in this lesson
By the end you should be able to (NSSCO Physics 2.1):
- Use and describe the use of a metre rule, a ruler and a measuring tape to determine length
- Use and describe mechanical methods for measuring a small distance (vernier caliper and micrometer screw gauge)
- Use and describe the use of a measuring cylinder to determine the volume of a liquid, reading at the meniscus
- Determine the volume of a regular solid by calculation and of an irregular solid by displacement
- Use and describe the use of clocks and stopwatches to measure an interval of time
- Measure a short interval of time, including the period of a pendulum, by timing many swings and averaging
- Describe an experiment to establish that the only variable affecting the period of a pendulum is its length
- Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the measuring devices, and state the correct SI units
Loading your lesson…
You're watching a free 3-minute preview — create a free account to keep going.
Quick revision
Revise this in 5 minutes
Ms Elizabeth and Mike talk through the whole topic — with the figure and working drawn live.