This is an exercise in working with numbers, specifically practicing scientific notation and performing basic arithmetic operations on very large and/or very small numbers. It is intended to be the first lab of the semester, when enrollment is still somewhat fluid; it will not matter much if a student misses this first lab.
The concept of distinguishing between precision and accuracy in measurement is also introduced.
Student Objectives
- Practice expressing numbers using scientific notation
- Learn how to multiply and divide large or small numbers using scientific notation
- Understand the difference between precision and accuracy in measurement
- Learn to make reliable and repeatable measurements
- Prepare and analyze a graph to determine trends in data