Muhammad Hamza Akhter 051

BS IT 1A
EXPERIMENT 02

Measurements using Screw Gauge

Objectives:

In this lab, we are going to use screw gauge to measure length and diameter.

Equipment / Tools:

 Screw Gauge
 Wires
 Objects of different shape and size

Background:

Every measuring instrument has a least count. The least count is the least distance that can be
accurately measured using the instrument. The smallest division on a meter rule is 1 mm. Here
we use the convention that the least count of a measuring instrument is the smallest division
marked on the instrument. Thus, the least count of a meter rule is 1 mm. The micrometer screw
gauge consists of a circular scale and a linear scale. When the screw is rotated, the circular scale
moves over the linear scale. The distance moved by the circular scale along the linear scale for
one rotation of the screw is called the pitch of the screw. The least count of the micrometer is
given by:

Least Count = Pitch of the screw / Number of divisions on the round scale

Procedure:

When the screw is completely in, the zero of the circular scale should be at the zero of the linear
scale and coincide with the horizontal line. If the zero is above the horizontal line, you have a
negative error and this error needs to be added to the final reading of the circular scale. If the
zero of the circular scale is below the horizontal, you have a positive error and these needs to be
subtracted from the final reading of the circular scale. Obtain the error in your micrometer
reading and record it. From the zero position, turn the screw 10 times and measure the distance
moved by the circular scale along the linear scale. Divide this distance by 10 and that will be
the pitch of the screw. Obtain and record the pitch of the screw. Look at the
round scale and obtain the number of divisions on it. Calculate the least count
of the micrometer as:

Least Count = Pitch of the screw / Number of divisions on the

round scale

When the object to be measured is placed in position, the circular scale is pushed
back along the linear scale. Read and record the linear scale reading. Read and
record the circular scale reading.

The actual length = linear scale reading + circular scale

reading  least count

Results:

Table 2.1: Practical Results

Material Linear Scale Round Scale Round Diameter Radius (m)

Reading (m) Reading Scale (m)
Reading ×
1 2 Ave 1 2 Ave Least
Count (m)

1 0.02 0.02 0.02+0. 3 3 3+3/2= 3*0.0020= 0.026 0.026/2=0.013

02/2= 3 0.006
0.02
2 0.05 0.05 0.05+0. 2 2 2+2/2= 2*0.002= 0.054 0.054/2=0.027
05/2= 2 0.004
0.05
3 0.06 0.06 0.06+0. 5 5 5=5/2= 5*0.002= 0.01 0.07 0.07/2=0.035
06/2= 5
0.06
4 0.04 0.04 0.04+0. 8 8 8+8/2= 8*0.002=0.0160.056 0.056/2=0.028
04/2= 8
0.04
5 0.01 0.01 0.01+0. 4 4 4+4/2= 4*0.002= 0.018 0.018/2=0.009
01/2= 4 0.008
0.01