Experiment No: 01

Measurement Using Vernier Caliper

Objectives: To study the Vernier scale principle and to learn the use of Vernier Calipers (kompas) for the accurate
measurement of volume and diameter.

Apparatus:
Vernier caliper, rectangular block and coin (or any other object).

Theory:
Careful quantitative measurements are very important for development of physics, the most exact of the
experimental sciences. The measurement of length is basic to many of the experiments performed by physicists.
Vernier Calipers, an instrument for making very accurate linear measurements was introduced in 1631 by Pierre
Vernier of France. Vernier Calipers are widely used in scientific laboratories and in manufacturing for quality
control measurements

Uses of a Vernier Calipers

Vernier Calipers are used to measure

(i)The length of a rod or any object

(ii)The diameter of a sphere
(iii)The internal and external diameter of a hollow cylinder
(iv)The depth of a small beaker

1. Main Scale - The main scale is similar to that on a ruler, graduated in mm and cm on one side ; inches on
the other side.

2. Vernier Scale – The vernier scale is a sliding scale .It slides parallel to the main scale and enables readings
to be made to a fraction of a division on the main scale.

3. Screw -The vernier scale can be fixed at any position on the main scale with the help of a screw.

4. Jaws –It has two jaws. The lower jaws are called outside jaws and they are used to measure the length of a
rod ,diameter of a sphere or the external diameter of a cylinder. The upper jaws are called the inside jaws
which are used to measure the internal diameter of a hollow cylinder or pipe .

5. Strip - The thin strip is used to measure the depth of the objects like beakers .

Principle of Vernier- The graduations on the vernier scale are such that the length of ‘ n’
divisions on the vernier scale is equal to (n-1) divisions of the main scale.

Generally, a vernier has 10 divisions and the the length of these 10 divisions is equal to the length of 10 – 1 = 9
divisions of the main scale.
That is , 10 div of vernier scale = 9 mm.
1 div of vernier scale = 9/10 mm

Least Count of Vernier or Vernier Constant : It is defined as the difference between the values of one main
scale division and one vernier scale division .

L.C.= Value of one main scale division – Value of one vernier scale division

= 1 mm – 9/10 mm = 1 mm – 0.9 mm = 0.1 mm or 0.01 cm

OR L.C. = Value of one main scale division / Total number of divisions on vernier
= 1 mm / 10 = 0.1 mm or 0.01 cm

How to use a Vernier Caliper.

1) The jaws are first gently closed on the object to be measured.

2) Note the main scale reading (M.S.R)
3) Note the division on vernier scale which coincides with any division of the main scale. Multiply this number of
vernier division with the least count. This is the vernier scale reading(V.S.R)
Hence V.S.R = Vernier scale coincidence x Least count(L.C.)
4) Add the main scale reading to the vernier scale reading. This gives the observed length.

Hence, Observed Reading = Main scale reading + Vernier scale reading

Observed reading = M.S.R + V.S.R

OR Observed reading = M.S.R. + (Vernier scale coincidence x L.C.)

For example, Let us observe the diagram given below

Least count (L.C.)= 0.01 cm

M.S.R. = 2.6 cm
Vernier scale coincidence = 7
V.S.R. = Vernier scale coincidence x L.C.
= 7 x 0.01 =
0.07 cm
Observed reading = M.S.R + V.S.R = 2.6 cm + 0.07 cm = 2.67 cm
Lab Tasks:

1. Take a rectangular object and find out its volume using the following formula and note the readings in the
observation table 1 given below.
Volume of the rectangular block(V), V=lbh in m3
Where l=length of the block in m b=breadth of the block (in m)
h=height of the block (in m)

2. Take a sphere and find out its diameter and note the readings in the observation table 2 given below.

Procedure:
1. Calculate the LC of vernier calipers.
2. Measure length,breadth&thickness of a rectangular block and diameter of the given sphere by using vernier
calipers.
3. Find MSR and VSR for each physical quantity.
4. Calculate the total reading by using the formula MSR+(VSRxLC) .
5. Find the volume of block using the equation V=lbh& volume of the sphere
V==(4/3) Пr3
6. Repeat the experiment 4 or 5 times.
Precautions:
1. The movement of vernier scale on main scale should be smooth
2. Take measurements of diameter by changing the orientation of the body
3. Notice the readings carefully to avoid error due to parallax
Sources of error
1. In poor quality of vernier calipers jaws may not be perpendicular to scales
2. Parallax may be there in taking the observations

Observations and calculations:

Least count=Value of one main scale division/Total no: of vernier scale divisions
L.C.=1div/10=1mm/10=0.1mm
L.C.=0.01cm

Table 1. To find length,breadth and height of a rectangular block

Volume of the rectangular block=lbh

V= cm3
V= m3
 Table 2: To find the diameter of the sphere

Radius of the sphere, r = d/2

Volume of the sphere,V=(4/3) Пr3

=------------------cm3

=------------------- m3

Result and Conclusion: