8th grade science question?

Question

I need help answering this question...science is not really my thing...even basic science. "suppose you want a precise measure of rainfall, in your area, so you set a rain gauge outside. After it rains, you measure the level of water in the gauge and record the results. you then empty the gauge and wait for the next rain. There are at least tow possible sources of experimental error with this procedure. One will lead to a measurement that is too high and the other will lead to one that is too low. What are these sources of error?

TEN PIONTS TO THE FIRST HELPFUL ANSWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Here are some potential sources:

1. Evaporation before measuring.
2. Placed in a place where the rainfall is interdicted (e.g., under a tree).
3. Placed in a place where rain collects and falls into the gage as a stream of water collected from a wide area (e.g., under a drain-spout).
4. Container with uneven sides so an inch of rain, for example, moves higher or lower than an inch because of the unevenness.
5. Improper metric markings (e.g., an inch is not really an inch)
6. A slow leak in the gage.
7. Failed to start with a totally empty gage.

Probably a few more, but these come immediately to mind.

Answer 2

According to your methods section: you are measuring rainfall accumulation, not rate, a rate is rainfall accumulation divided by time. Assuming you are measuring a rate...

One source of error comes from the instrument itself. Each rain gauge is percise to a certain amount. And that certain amount is subject to human error, if it is a simple contianer with marked off numbers to the side. There are a variety of rain gauge, each with thier pros and cons

typically a rain gauge give ____ readings if = _____
too high = if you don't dry the gauge, and excess water is left on the gauge
too low = the time it takes to record how much water accumulated. if too much time elapses, you loose water via evaprotation.

Answer 3

Uh, you don't need to pass science to go to 9th. You just need to pass it or else they'll replace an elective with a science taks class. That's all. & don't worry, it's not gonna be so hard. It seems like you've made it through all the other science taks with no problem. & it's probably only going to be based on things like phsyical & chemical change, newton's laws & icstars. I'm taking it tomorrow too & my teacher says that if you are positive & confident statistics show you'll get 200-400 points higher than normal. It's weird, i know. But still, you have nothing to worry about. Just take your time & do your best. & practice on the taks sites. You'll find them if you google it. You only need a 700 & above now to pass anyways. lol (: Anywayss, good luck on your taks! (:

Answer 4

You must define the surface area and level of gauge in order to have an accurate reading of precipitation volumes, ie - one would recieve a higher reading or level if the gauge was a test-tube, as opposed to a swimming pool - given the same level of precipitation.

Answer 5

i'm in 8th grade and this is my answer.....

too high could be if you put the gouge in a place where more water would go into it, like under a gutter or something. or it could be raining heavy.

too low could be like if you put the gouge in a place where it couldn't catch as much rain, like under a tree or something. or it could be sprinkling.

i don't care about the ten points, i'm just trying to help. i hear ya science sucks. sorry if my answer does also.

Answer 6

I'm guessing it's the menescus. The level of the water must be recorded from the bottom of the meniscus or curvature of the liquid within the container.

Answer 7

however much time it rains and exces water left in the cup. or it has to be something you can measure with

Answer 8

i dont really know.....if it is too windy and it cant catch all the rain, and second you might not empty the gauge properly. hehehe that's way wrong i think

Answer 9

maybe