Improving Accuracy in Measuring Density: Tips and Techniques

[jack edison]

Homework Statement

How would you reduce uncertainty when measuring the density of a material

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I'm guessing you have to reduce the uncertainty in the mass and volume of the material

 

[phinds]

Well, that sure seems like a pretty good guess, since that's what density is calculated from, but HOW do you reduce the uncertainty of either measurement? That's really the question.

 

[jack edison]

wouldn't you just use a material with greater mass, ,but lower volume, i.e giving a greater measurement for density.
% uncertainty = uncertainty/measurement * 100

so if the measurement is greater, won't the % uncertainty be less

 

[phinds]

How do you propose that lowering the volume will improve the calculation's uncertainty?

Changing material is cheating. Stick to one problem at a time.

 

[jack edison]

as we are calculating density, if we have a lower volume, we will have greater density. Greater measurements have less uncertainty.
I have no idea

 

[haruspex]

as we are calculating density, if we have a lower volume, we will have greater density. Greater measurements have less uncertainty.
I have no idea

Surely you are trying to measure the density of a given substance. If you have a lower volume the mass will be less. The density won't change.
It might help if you explain exactly what method you use for determining the density.