Univeristy of Santo Tomas

Faculty of Engineering
1st term AY 20162017

Experiment No.1
Measurement: Vernier Caliper and Micrometer Caliper

Section: 2 ChEA Date Performed: August 27, 2016

Group No.: 3 Date Submitted: September 3, 2016
Leader: Gozar, Sean Matthew
Members: Flordeliza, Vanessa Mae
Gerzon, Raisa Siochi
Guevarra, Jan Alec
Gonzales, Sofia Louzille

Instructor: Engr. Nancy Nabung

Engr. Emma Larion
 I. OBJECTIVES
The main objective of this experiment is for the students to develop a comprehensive
understanding in measuring accurate length and also, to understand the principles and usage of
the Vernier Caliper and Micrometer Caliper. First is to determine the length measurements by
using the Vernier Caliper for the accurate measurement of length and Micrometer Caliper for the
accurate measurement of small length. The second objective is to get the volume of the materials
with the use of the acquired length measurements and compare the experimental to the
theoretical value to measure accuracy.

II. DISCUSSION OF RELATED PHYSICS CONCEPT

Measurements are in every experiment it generally uses numbers to describe the results.
Physical quantity is any number that is used to describe a physical phenomenon quantitatively.
Measured quantity is always compared with reference standard, such a standard denes a unit of
the quantity. The meter is a unit of distance, the kilogram is a unit of mass, and the second is a
unit of time. The Metric System but since 1960 it has been known ofcially as the International
System, or SI is the system of units used by scientists and engineers around the world.
Measurements always have uncertainties. If you measure the thickness of the cover of a
hardbound version of this book using an ordinary ruler, your measurement is reliable only to the
nearest millimeter. The uncertainty is also called the error because it indicates the maximum
difference there is likely to be between the measured value and the true value. The uncertainty or
error of a measured value depends on the measurement technique used. We can also express
accuracy in terms of the maximum likely fractional error or percent error (also called fractional
uncertainty and percent uncertainty). Converting units is needed to be used in experiments.
Dimensional Analysis is a technique used to convert units from one unit to another. Density is
the mass per unit volume of any object. Volume of regular shaped objects can be computed by
measuring dimensions of the object needed.
 III. SET-UP

Figure 1 Set-up of the Experiment

LEGEND:
1-Vernier Caliper 3-Cube 5-Cylinder
2-Micrometer Caliper 4-Sphere 6-Disc

IV. DATA AND RESULTS

Table 1 Table of Results

Cube Sphere Cylinder Disc

Outer Inner Height

Side Diameter Diameter Height
TRIAL diameter diameter (h)
(s) (d) (d) (h)
(do) (din)

I 15.67mm 19.02mm 10.62mm 39.92mm 80.34mm 7.9mm 1.95mm

II 16.18mm 19.1mm 12.62mm 39.92mm 80.30mm 7.9mm 1.97mm

 III 15.86mm 19.4mm 12.79mm 39.90mm 80.38mm 7.88mm 1.48mm

Mean Value
1.591cm 1.9173cm 1.201cm 3.9913cm 8.034cm 0.7893cm 0.18cm
(cm)

Mass (g) 10.69g 28.26g 42.81g 57.17g

Density 7.8g/cm3
2.7g/cm3 7.85g/cm3 8.5g/cm3
(g/ cm3 )

Volume, vexpt 9.0368cm3

4.0197cm3 3.6904cm3 4.52cm3
(cm3)

Volume, vtheo 7.3295cm3

3.9593cm3 3.6cm3 5.0365cm3
(cm3)

Percent Error 1.5255% 2.5111% 10.2551% 29.3935%

Cube:
Theoretical:
10.69
= = ; = 3.95933
2.7/3
Experimental:
= 3 = (1.590)3 ; = 4.01973
PERCENT ERROR:
|3.9593 4.0197|
% = 100 ; % = 1.5255%
3.9593
Sphere:
Theoretical:
28.26
= = ; = 3.63
7.85/3
Experimental:
 3 (1.9173)3
= = ; = 3.69043
6 6
PERCENT ERROR:
|3.6 3.6904|
% = 100 ; % = 2.5111%
3.6
Cylinder:
Theoretical:
42.81
= = ; = 5.03653
8.5/3
Experimental:
2 (1.2010)2 (3.9913)
= = ; = 4.52163
4 4
PERCENT ERROR:
|5.0365 4.5216|
% = 100 ; % = 10.2551%
5.0365
Disc:
Theoretical:
57.17
= = ; = 7.32953
7.8/3
Experimental:
2
(2 ) [(8.034)2 (0.7893)2 ]0.18
= = ; = 9.03683
4 4
PERCENT ERROR:
| | |7.3295 9.0368|
% = = 100 ; % = 23.2935%
7.3295

V. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
The side of the cube is measured thrice in millimeter and the mean value is acquired in
centimeter which is 1.590cm and using the mean value of sides, the experimental
volume is obtained, 4.0197cm3 . The theoretical volume is from the mass over the
density which results to 3.9593cm3 giving us a percent error of 1.5255%
 The diameter of the sphere is measured to obtain the experimental volume of 3.694cm3.
The acquired mass then is used to get the theoretical value of 3.6 cm3 giving of a percent
error of 2.551%.
The cylinders diameter and height is measured to get the experimental volume of
4.52cm3 .The mass obtained them is used to acquire the theoretical value of 5.0365 cm3
.The percent error is 10.2551%.
The discs outer diameter, inner diameter and height is measured to obtain the
experimental volume of 9.0368%. The mass is also measured to get the theoretical
volume of 7.329 cm3. The percent error of the disc is 23.2935%.
The high level of errors can be accounted by the following factors. First, the Vernier
caliper is slightly less accurate than the micrometer and it was used more abundantly
than the latter. Second, the random error refers to the statistical fluctuations in the
measured data due to the precision limitations of the measurement device. It is
unavoidable because, no matter how accurately measurements are made, there will
always be some uncertainty in the said measurements .Third, measuring instruments
have certain common errors built right into them which might affect the measuring
instruments precision. An example is the micrometer which an accurate measurement
but this instrument has a certain capacity of error built in it or can be a result of misuse.
Over-tightening the micrometers spindle can cause the anvil portion of the gage to
change shape. Lower-quality micrometers are made of materials more prone to this
error. Fourth, a caliper is prone to error described by Abbs principle which says that a
source of error is present anytime the reference line of a measuring system doesnt lie
along the same line as the dimension being measured. On a caliper, the scales or gears
are not in line with the measuring faces or contacts. As a result, the caliper shifts and
wiggles (in microscopic increments) in a way comparable to that of a table or chair
when the legs become loose. Lastly, the materials provided are not perfect regular
shape. An example is the block which sides measures differently therefore, the accuracy
of the measured volume is reduced.

VI. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

1. Why are several trials taken for each measurement?

In any science experiment, individual measurement may have a lot of variability because
there are sources of error, such as the limit of reading of the instruments (determined by the
increments on it). If measurements are to be taken repetitively and get the same result, the
better the precision, the smaller the error will be. By doing several trials, mean (average) can
be computed which is an estimate value of the true value of the measurement. Consistent
findings reinforce the value of the conclusion.
2. What is the smallest part of a mm that can be estimated using the Vernier Caliper?
Micrometer Caliper?

The Vernier (moveable) scale is 9 mm long and consists of 10 divisions. Each division on
the Vernier scale, then, is 0.9 mm long or 0.1 mm shorter than a main scale division. In
general, the number of the Vernier line which is aligned with a line on the main scale is
equal to the number of tenths of a millimeter between the caliper jaws. If the separation
between the jaws is more than one millimeter, the reading of the Vernier is added to the
reading of the main scale up to the zero point of the Vernier scale. The Vernier caliper can
measure lengths to a precision of 0.1 or 0.05 mm.

A typical micrometer has a precision of 0.01 mm. For measuring inner diameters and
depths, different types of micrometer are used, the screw of this instrument has 2 threads per
millimeter so that it advances 0.5 mm for each revolution. Since there are 50 divisions
around the rim, the least count and the uncertainty of this instrument is 1/50 x 0.5 mm =
0.01 mm.

3. Why is the micrometer caliper used instead of the Vernier caliper in measuring diameter?

The micrometer measures the distance between two plates(the anvil- fixed one; the
spindle- movable). Obtaining an accurate measurement of the diameter of a sphere means
getting the ball between the plates which has greater surface area than the edges of the jaws
of the Vernier caliper; the sphere do not have to be in one position (center) to get a correct
reading. With the thin edges of Vernier calipers jaw there is roughly only one position of
the jaw touching the ball when the two jaws are exactly opposite each other on the ball. (If
measuring the diameter of a cylinder, this factor is unacceptable)

4. Given the data for the various Vernier and main scales, determine the indicated readings of
each caliper:
Vernier Total No. Reading on Main Scale No. of the Indicated
No. of Vernier Reading
Just Just
Vernier Divisions
before after
Divisions Coinciding
Vernier Vernier
with a
Zero Zero
Main
Scale
Division
A 10 23 mm 24 mm 8.6 23.86mm
B 15 3.5 in 3.6 in 6 3.54 in
 C 25 5.2 in 5.225 in 14 5.214 in
D 50 17.35 17.40 24 17.374 cm
cm cm

VII. CONCLUSION
Accurate findings in measurement is necessary in every science experiment in order to arrive
at a valid conclusion. In determining a measurement that is close to a true value, the
experimenter should conduct repetitive trials. These trials decreases the error which can be
obtained in measuring. Also, the instruments to be used should be known by the one
conducting the experiment. The Vernier Caliper is used to measure length that are slightly
greater than the length that can be measured by a Micrometer Caliper and typically allows
one to measure external diameters, internal diameters as well as depths. Micrometer Caliper
is used to measure relatively small length and allows one to measure external diameters. This
instrument can be a source of error if misused and are not in proper condition. In order to
avoid this, students need to know how to read these instruments. Measuring for the
dimensions of regular shaped objects can give the experimental volume and can be compared
to the theoretical volume. Thus, the comparison will determine the accuracy of the
measurement taken.
VIII. RECOMMENDATION
To reduce errors, the number of trials should be increase. A new, higher quality measuring
devices can give off more accurate results than the old and misused, so it is recommended to
use a properly conditioned device. The use of a more advanced device is also recommended
such as the digital Vernier caliper and also to use other measuring devices other than the
Vernier and Micrometer caliper appropriate for small length measurement.

IX. REFERENCE/S

Young, H and Freedman,R. (2012). Sears and Zemankys University Physics with
Modern Physics. San Francisco, CA: Addison-Wesley

Labs.(2016).Measurement and Uncertainty.Retrieved from

http://physics.appstate.edu/undergraduate-programs/labortory/resources/measurement
-and-uncertainty.

Nipun. (2015).Difference Between Vernier Caliper and Micrometer. Retrieved from

http://pediaa.com/difference-between-vernier-caliper-and-micrometer/

Ryan V.(2004-2010). The Vernier Caliper-Manual Version. Retrieved from

http://www.technologystudent .com/equip1/vernier3.htm
X. APPENDIX

Fig.2 Cube(s) 15.67mm Fig.5 Sphere (d) 19.02mm

Fig.3 Cube(S) 16.18mm Fig.6 Sphere (d) 19.1mm

Fig.4 Cube(s) 15.86mm Fig.7 Sphere (d) 19.4mm

Fig.8 Cylinder (d) 10.62mm Fig.11 Cylinder (h) 39.92mm

Fig.9 Cylinder (d) 12.62mm Fig.12 Cylinder (h) 39.92mm

Fig.10 Cylinder (d) 12.79mm Fig.13 Cylinder (h) 39.90mm

Fig.14 Disc (d0) 80.34mm Fig.17 Disc (din) 7.9mm

Fig.15 Disc (d0) 80.30mm Fig.18 Disc (din) 7.9mm

Fig.16 Disc (d0) 80.38mm Fig.19 Disc (din) 7.88mm

Fig.20 Disc (h) 1.95mm Fig.23 Cube (g) 10.69g

Fig.21 Disc (h) 1.97mm Fig.24 Sphere (g) 28.26g

Fig.25 Cylinder (g) 42.81g

Fig.22 Disc (h) 1.48mm
Fig.26 Disc (g) 57.17g