Experiment# 1

Measurement of Length and Diameter using

Vernier Caliper and Micrometer Screw Gauge
1) Introduction

VERNIER CALIPER: The principle of vernier caliper is that when two scales slightly
different in length are placed one below the other, the deference between them can be utilized
to enhance the accuracy of measurement. This instrument may be used to measure outer
dimensions of objects (using the main jaws), inside dimensions (using the smaller jaws at the
top), and depths (using the stem). Veriner caliper essentially consists of two steel rules, and
these can slide along each other (see in Fig. 1). One of the scales, i.e., the main scale is engraved
in mm and partly in 1mm. The sliding scale, called the vernier scale consists of 50 divisions
engraved on a length of 49mm. Hence the least count which is the main significant value that
can be measured further to the main scale reading is (1 - 49/50) = 0.02mm. The graduation
divisions and the L.C may vary from the type of vernier to another based on the range of
measurement.

MICROMETER SCREW GAUGE: The micrometer screw gauge is used to measure even
smaller dimensions than the vernier callipers. The micrometer screw gauge also uses an
auxiliary scale (measuring hundredths of a millimetre) which is marked on a rotary thimble
(see in Fig. 2). Basically, it is a screw with an accurately constant pitch (the amount by which
the thimble moves forward or backward for one complete revolution). Micrometer screw
gauge works on the principle of screw and nut. When a screw is turned one revolution through
a fixed nut, the screw moves by one pitch of the thread. A Circular scale marked with ‘n’ equal
parts is attached to the screw and each division on it measures a length equal to (pitch/n). A
linear scale with graduations in mm and 0.5mm is engraved on the barrel. This is the Main
scale a circular scale with 50 divisions is engraved on the bevelled surface of the thimble, this
is vernier scale. If the micrometer screw gauge has a pitch of 0.5 mm, that one turn of thimble
makes it to travel by 0.5mm. As there are 50 equal divisions on the bevelled edge of the
thimble, the axial movement of the spindle connected to the thimble per division value and is
known as the least count of micrometer screw gauge.

2) Conceptual Objectives
A. To study the vernier caliper principle and to learn the use of vernier caliper for the
accurate measurement of length, depth, and diameter.
B. To study the micrometer screw gauge principle and to learn the use of micrometer screw
gauge for the accurate measurement of diameter and thickness.

3) Questions to be Prepared before Coming to the Lab

A. What is the difference between vernier caliper and micrometer screw gauge?
B. What is the parallax error?
C. What are the advantages and limitations of vernier caliper?
 D. What are the advantages and limitations of micrometer screw gauge?

4) Theory

Careful quantitative measurements are very important for development of physics, the most
exact of the experimental sciences. The measurement of length and diameter are basic to many
of the experiments performed by physicists.

5) The Experiment

Equipment:

Vernier caliper, Micrometer screw gauge, Lead shots, Cylinder, Wire, Metallic strip.

Set-up:

Fig.1. Parts of Vernier Caliper

Fig.2. Parts of Micrometer Screw Gauge

Procedure:

Vernier Caliper

1. When two measuring tip surfaces are in contact with each other, check for zero error and
also check if the surface are not unduly worn out or bent or any dirt collected on them.
2. The object must be held as close to the main scale bar as possible to avoid error due to
deflection of tips. The axis of vernier should be perpendicular to the axis of the object.
This ensures the correct dimension of the part to measure.
3. Do not apply to much pressure while measuring. First make the measuring jaws to light
contact the surfaces of the work piece. Then slightly retract the left jaw and clamp the
support bracket at its place.
4. Now rotate the micro adjustment knurled knob to advance the left jaw to contact the work
piece surface edge.
5. Read the measurements as below.
a) Main scale reading = A (i.e., reading on the main scale which is behind the zero of the
vernier scale)
b) Vernier scale reading (which is coinciding with any division on the main scale) × least
count of vernier caliper = B
c) Final reading = A + B
6.Take the reading at a number of positions (minimum 3) and tabulate them.
7. Find mean of the readings,
Mean = X= (X1 + X2……Xn)/n
8. Find the standard deviation,
σ = ±√∑(𝑋𝑖−𝑋)2 / 𝑛−1
Where n is number of readings.

Micrometer Screw Gauge

1. Select the correct range of micrometer screw gauge which will be good enough to measure
the dimension.
2. Check for zero error by bringing the anvil and spindle into contact, after wiping both flat
surfaces clean.
3. Retract the spindle to create a gap between the fixed anvil and the spindle tip so that the
micrometer screw gauge can be easily applied to the work piece dimension.
4. The work piece is placed between the anvil and spindle; ensure that the dimension to be
measured is along the axis of the spindle. Let the spindle make contact with the work piece.
Use only the ratchet and not the thimble.
5. When the spindle is brought into contact with the work at the correct measuring pressure,
the clutch starts slipping and no further movement of the spindle takes place by rotation of
ratchet. Now lock the spindle using the locking knob.
6. Read the measurements as below.
a) Reading on the barrel is noted down which corresponds to the main scale reading that
is just cleared by the edge of the thimble = A
b) Then the reading on the thimble corresponding to the pitch scale reading is noted, which
is that value on the thimble scale which is coinciding with the reference line on the
barrel = B
 c) Final reading is calculated using the main scale reading (A) + pitch scale reading (B) ×
least count of the micrometer screw gauge.
7. Take the reading at a number of positions to ensure that the measurement is made with
sufficient confidence (minimum 3 reading) and tabulate them.
8. Find mean of the reading,
Mean =X= (X1 +X2 + …… Xn)/n
9. Find the standard deviation,
σ = ±√∑(𝑋𝑖−𝑋)2 / 𝑛−1
Where n is no of readings taken.

6) Observations & Calculations:

Vernier Caliper:
Table 1: Length of the cylinder
S. No. Main Scale Vernier Least Zero VSR x Final
Reading Scale Count Error L.C Reading
(MSR) Reading “L.C” (mm) (mm) A+B
“A” (mm) “VSR” (mm) “B” (mm)
1
2
3
Mean of cylinder length = mm
Standard Deviation = ±

Table 2: Depth of the cylinder

S. No. Main Scale Vernier Least Zero VSR x Final
Reading Scale Count Error L.C Reading
(MSR) Reading “L.C” (mm) (mm) A+B
“A” (mm) “VSR” (mm) “B” (mm)
1
2
3
Mean of cylinder depth = mm
Standard Deviation = ±
Table 3: External diameter of the cylinder
S. No. Main Scale Vernier Least Zero VSR x Final
Reading Scale Count Error L.C Reading
(MSR) Reading “L.C” (mm) (mm) A+B
“A” (mm) “VSR” (mm) “B” (mm)
1
2
3
Mean of cylinder external diameter = mm
Standard Deviation = ±

Table 4: Internal diameter of the cylinder

S. No. Main Scale Vernier Least Zero VSR x Final
Reading Scale Count Error L.C Reading
(MSR) Reading “L.C” (mm) (mm) A+B
“A” (mm) “VSR” (mm) “B” (mm)
1
2
3
Mean of cylinder internal diameter = mm
Standard Deviation = ±

Table 5: Diameter of the lead shot

S. No. Main Scale Vernier Least Zero VSR x Final
Reading Scale Count Error L.C Reading
(MSR) Reading “L.C” (mm) (mm) A+B
“A” (mm) “VSR” (mm) “B” (mm)
1
2
3
Mean of lead shot diameter = mm
Standard Deviation = ±
Volume of the cylinder; 𝑉𝑐𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 = 𝜋𝑟 2 𝑙𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 r = Mean of cylinder external diameter/2
Vcylinder = m3
𝟒𝛑𝒓𝟑
Volume of the lead shot; 𝑉𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑡 = ; r = Mean of diameter/2
3

Vlead shot = m3

Micrometer Screw Gauge:

Table 6: Diameter of the lead shot

S. No. Main Scale Circular Least Zero CSR x Final
Reading Scale Count Error L.C Reading
(MSR) Reading “L.C” (mm) (mm) A+B
“A” (mm) “CSR” (mm) “B” (mm)
1
2
3
Mean of lead shot diameter = mm
Standard Deviation = ±

Table 7: Thickness of the metallic strip

S. No. Main Scale Circular Least Zero CSR x Final
Reading Scale Count Error L.C Reading
(MSR) Reading “L.C” (mm) (mm) A+B
“A” (mm) “CSR” (mm) “B” (mm)
1
2
3
Mean of metallic strip thickness = mm
Standard Deviation = ±

𝟒𝛑𝒓𝟑
Volume of the lead shot; 𝑉𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑡 = ; r = Mean of diameter/2
3

Vlead shot = m3
7) Precautions:
Vernier Caliper
1. Do not apply excessive force to the work piece. Excessive measuring force will develop
instrument error because of the positional deviation of the jaw or deformation of the work
piece.
2. Take reading on the vernier / main scale in a viewing direction perpendicular to the
measured point on the scales.
3. Do not use the vernier as a stick or screwdriver.
4. Do not throw it on the table.

Micrometer Screw Gauge

1. The port whose dimension is to be measured must be held in left hand or firmly on a
surface and the micrometer screw gauge in right hand, and i such a way that the forefinger
and the thumb will be able to rotate the thimble and ratchet.
2. Micrometer screw gauge should be cleaned of any dust and spindle should move freely.
3. Do not drop the micrometer screw gauge or throw it on the table. Keep it in the case when
not in use.
 Initial Lab Report
Experiment No. 1 Date:

Experiment Title:

Name: _______________________________

NUTECH ID: _________________________

Instructor: ____________________________

Signature (Instructor):

1. Experiment Objectives:

2. Basic Equations of Experiment Theory:

3. Observations and Calculations:
Vernier Caliper:
Table 1: Length of the cylinder
S. No. Main Scale Vernier Least Zero VSR x Final
Reading Scale Count Error L.C Reading
(MSR) Reading “L.C” (mm) (mm) A+B
“A” (mm) “VSR” (mm) “B” (mm)
1
2
3
Mean of cylinder length = mm
Standard Deviation = ±

Table 2: Depth of the cylinder

S. No. Main Scale Vernier Least Zero VSR x Final
Reading Scale Count Error L.C Reading
(MSR) Reading “L.C” (mm) (mm) A+B
“A” (mm) “VSR” (mm) “B” (mm)
1
2
3
Mean of cylinder depth = mm
Standard Deviation = ±

Table 3: External diameter of the cylinder

S. No. Main Scale Vernier Least Zero VSR x Final
Reading Scale Count Error L.C Reading
(MSR) Reading “L.C” (mm) (mm) A+B
“A” (mm) “VSR” (mm) “B” (mm)
1
2
3
Mean of cylinder external diameter = mm
Standard Deviation = ±
Table 4: Internal diameter of the cylinder
S. No. Main Scale Vernier Least Zero VSR x Final
Reading Scale Count Error L.C Reading
(MSR) Reading “L.C” (mm) (mm) A+B
“A” (mm) “VSR” (mm) “B” (mm)
1
2
3
Mean of cylinder internal diameter = mm
Standard Deviation = ±

Table 5: Diameter of the lead shot

S. No. Main Scale Vernier Least Zero VSR x Final
Reading Scale Count Error L.C Reading
(MSR) Reading “L.C” (mm) (mm) A+B
“A” (mm) “VSR” (mm) “B” (mm)
1
2
3
Mean of lead shot diameter = mm
Standard Deviation = ±

Volume of the cylinder; 𝑉𝑐𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 = 𝜋𝑟 2 𝑙𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 r = Mean of cylinder external diameter/2

Vcylinder = m3
𝟒𝛑𝒓𝟑
Volume of the lead shot; 𝑉𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑡 = ; r = Mean of diameter/2
3

Vlead shot = m3
Micrometer Screw Gauge:

Table 6: Diameter of the lead shot

S. No. Main Scale Circular Least Zero CSR x Final
Reading Scale Count Error L.C Reading
(MSR) Reading “L.C” (mm) (mm) A+B
“A” (mm) “CSR” (mm) “B” (mm)
1
2
3
Mean of lead shot diameter = mm
Standard Deviation = ±

Table 7: Thickness of the metallic strip

S. No. Main Scale Circular Least Zero CSR x Final
Reading Scale Count Error L.C Reading
(MSR) Reading “L.C” (mm) (mm) A+B
“A” (mm) “CSR” (mm) “B” (mm)
1
2
3
Mean of metallic strip thickness = mm
Standard Deviation = ±

𝟒𝛑𝒓𝟑
Volume of the lead shot; 𝑉𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑡 = ; r = Mean of diameter/2
3

Vlead shot = m3

4. Results and Analysis:

 Final Lab Report

Title Page
The title page of your Lab report should include the following information:
a) NUTECH Logo
b) No. and Name of the Experiment
c) Submitted To: Name of the Instructor
d) Submitted By: Individual Member Name with respective registration No.s
e) Date of Experiment Performed

1. Objective:
Objective of the practical will be explained in this section. For example, this practical is used to
determine different types of strength.
2. Apparatus:
Write the name of the apparatus used in the experiment.
3. Theoretical Explanation:
Explain the theory behind the practical or experiment. It can include ideal diagrams used in theory and
graphs etc.
4. Explanation of Procedure:
Pre explanation of the practical
5. Observations and Calculations:
The Calculation and observation during the experiment which includes reading and noting down the
measurements, draw concerned tables shown in the demonstration and class lecture.
6. Results and Analysis:
In this portion, you will describe what is achieved during experiment. Analyze and discuss the practical.
Use graphical representation if any. All calculation using formulas and demonstration of graphical
portion of the practical should be explained in this section.
7. Precautions:
Note the necessary precautions of respective practical.
8. Comments:
a) Comments about the result.
b) Whether we have achieved the desire result or not. Deduction of the practical.
c) Conclusion of the practical.