PLABASAN, NINA BIANCA S.

JANUARY 30, 2018

CEE13 FEBRUARY 27, 2019

EXPERIMENT I

CALIPER MEASUREMENT

Abstract

In this experiment, the members utilized various objects made from unknown metals. The

measuring devices, Vernier caliper and micrometer caliper, are used to identify the dimensions of

the figures. It is seen that the micrometer is only used for smaller scale objects or those that

measure less than 3 cm. After obtaining the measurements, each object’s volume and density were

computed. Using these results, including the mass of the objects, the density of the figures can be

determined without further knowledge about the material and composition of each object.

Objectives

1. To study the Vernier scale principle

2. To learn the use of Vernier calipers for

3. The accurate measurement of length

4. To become familiar with the use of micrometer calipers for the accurate measurements

of length

5. To be able to identify the figure’s material through measurements

Materials

 Triple Beam Balance  Micrometer Caliper

 Vernier Caliper  Various shaped metal figures

Results Findings

Table 1: Metal Block

Mass Length Width Height Volume ρex ρth % error

𝑔 𝑔
150.2 g 3.840 cm 3.840 cm 1.258 cm 18.55 cm3 8.10 𝑐𝑚3 8.54 𝑐𝑚3 5.152%

The material of the metal block is Brass.

Table 2: Metal Cube

Mass Length Width Height Volume ρex ρth % error

𝑔 𝑔
146 g 2.47 cm 2.47 cm 2.47 cm 15.069cm3 9.69 𝑐𝑚3 8.90𝑐𝑚3 8.88%

The material of the metal cube is Copper.

Table 3: Solid Cylinder

Mass Diameter Width Height Volume ρex ρth % error

𝑔 𝑔
99.5 g 1.95 cm - 4.216 cm 12.591cm3 7.90 𝑐𝑚3 8.54𝑐𝑚3 8.88%

The material of the solid cylinder is Brass.

Table 4: Hollow Cylinder

Mass Outer Inner Volume ρex ρth % error

H=8.86 cm H= 5.756 cm 𝑔
𝑔
20.8 g 8.158cm3 2.71 𝑐𝑚3 2.55 5.904%
𝑐𝑚3
D=1.266 cm D= 0.814 cm

The material of the hollow cylinder is Aluminum.

 Table 5: Cylindrical Ring

Mass Diameter Height Volume ρex ρth % error

Inner=0.636 cm 𝑔 𝑔
19.5 g 0.716 cm 2.416 cm3 8.54 8.07 5.50%
𝑐𝑚3 𝑐𝑚3
Outer= 2.168 cm

The material of the cylindrical ring is Iron.

Table 6: Sphere

Mass Diameter Volume ρex ρth % error

𝑔 𝑔
61.2 g 2.451 cm 7.7095 cm3 7.88 7.9 0.25%
𝑐𝑚3 𝑐𝑚3

The material of the sphere is Iron.

Interpretation of Data

The measuring devices, Vernier caliper and micrometer caliper, are used to identify the

dimensions of the figures. It is seen that the micrometer is only used for smaller scale objects or

those that measure less than 3 cm. These devices help identify the length, height, width, diameter,

and depth of an object.

For each dimension in the data table, the principle of calipers and techniques are used.

Using these results, including the mass of the objects, the density of the figures can be determined

without further knowledge about the material and composition of each object.

Conclusion

The devices used for measurement have different sensitivity, consistency, and accuracy.

Common errors are important to be known to lessen the inconsistencies. Despite of the errors, the

group was able to use and understand the calipers and their principles. Both calipers are good in
measuring, but they differ on the ways of reading and presenting the measurements. After the

experiment, the group concluded that micrometer is more precise than the Vernier since the former

can measure the nearest 0.01mm while the Vernier can evaluate only the nearest 0.1mm.

Guide Questions

1. In a paragraph, summarize what you have learned during this first laboratory in terms of

physics content and scientific abilities.

In this experiment, it is all about measurements of objects using calipers. Precision

is the key thing here in the laboratory and this experiment proves it. To achieve the

main goal, one must aim to be precise and specific. Being in precision helps majorly

in data gathering and analysis. Through this, errors will be lessened, and the true

and ideal results will come through.

2. Describe how your understanding of the relationship between fundamental and derived

quantities is different from your understanding before.

Fundamental quantities are those physical quantities that cannot be expressed in

terms other quantities. It is an independent quantity. For example: Length, mass,

time, temperature, electric current, amount of substance.

Derived quantities are those physical quantities that are derived from the

combination of fundamental quantities. It is a dependent quantity. For example:

force, density, volume, momentum etc.

Before, both quantities are thought to be independent and calculated alone or

independently. But now, it is known that fundamental quantities are independent

and have their own way of calculation. Furthermore, derived quantities are

dependent to the fundamental quantities. They rely on the results and calculation of
 the physical quantities such as length, mass, time, current, etc. Now, it is known that

fundamental quantities can be always computed with or without the presence of

derived quantities but derived quantities will be never computed without any given

fundamental quantity.

Bibliography

Thompson, R. (2015, Aug. 25). Various types of calipers used for measuring objects.

Retrieved from https://vernierscaliper.com/various-types-of-calipers-used-for-measuring-

objects-105.html

Bolton, W. Engineering Sciences, 5th Edition. Elsevier Newnes, Linacre House, Jordan Hill,

Oxford OX2 8DP 30 Corporate Drive, Suite 400, Burlington, Ma 01 803. 2006