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Laboratory No. 1
MICROMETER AND VERNIER CALIPER

I. Objectives:
• To study the vernier scale principle and to learn the use
of vernier calipers for the accurate measurement of length.
• To become familiar with the use of micrometer calipers for
the accurate measurement of small lengths.

II. Concept/Theory:
The main thrust of this lab is instruction in the use of
certain measuring instruments, but there is a bit of practical
theory that goes with this instruction.

ERROR:
Error can be classified as either random or systematic.
Random error: (sometimes erroneously called human error)
comes from the perspective of individual measurements. For
instance, suppose one partner measures something, and then the
other partner measures the same thing. The judgment on where the
needle points, or where the rounding occurs, causes small
variations in the readings. (In some sense, the amount of random
error in an experiment indicates the confidence level of your
lab technique.) Importantly, these errors add to the true value
as often as they detract. Therefore, averaging the data usually
eliminates these errors. The more measurements that are made,
the more averaging smoothest out these blips in the data set.
Systematic error: is the fault of the equipment. Suppose
you use a steel measuring tape on a hot day. The steel expands
when heated; consequently each mark is separated more than its
stated value. Anything you measure with the tape in this
condition will read shorter than it actually is, because the
tape itself is longer than it should be. Systematic errors tend
to give consistently higher or lower results which are not
corrected by averaging. Elimination of these errors can only be
accomplished by examining your equipment. One kind of systematic
error which can be easily eliminated is zero error (not ‘‘no
error’’!). When a caliper, micrometer, or other such device is
closed, it should read ‘‘0’’, yet often the instrument doesn't
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close properly (usually because some student misadjusted it) and

each reading will be too high or too low. Fixing this problem is
merely a matter of noting the reading when the device is closed,
and adding (if the instrument reads low) or subtracting (reads
high) that value from each measurement.

III. Materials:

 Oslo paper and pen

 Micrometer and Vernier Calipers

IV. Procedure:

1. Given the link below, kindly watch the two videos.

Part I https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=vkPlzmalvN4
Part II https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=StBc56ZifMs

2. Given the laboratory report section, accomplish the

following:
2.1. Introduction
2.2. Methodology (the process/procedure of using vernier
and micrometer caliper)
2.3. Results and Discussion
2.4. Conclusion
2.5. Works Cited
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Calculus-Based Physics
Name and Section FAJARDO, JAIRA MAE B. Rating
Date Performed APRIL 6 2022
Date Submitted APRIL 6 2022

Laboratory No. 1
MICROMETER AND VERNIER CALIPER

V. Observations:

A. Introduction (Draw, label, and discuss the parts of the

vernier and micrometer caliper)
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VERNIER CALIPER
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MICROMETER CALIPER
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B. Methodology (Enumerate and discuss the process/procedure of

using vernier and micrometer caliper)

When taking a measurement, you must first examine the cost on

the most important scale. On a metric vernier caliper, this
will be given in millimeters (mm). The smallest value that
can study from the important scale is 1mm (indicated through
a single increment). Next, appear at the vernier scale. The
vernier scale of a metric vernier caliper has a measuring
vary of 1 mm. In the example we will be looking at, the
vernier scale is graduated in 50 increments. Each increment
represents 0.02mm. However, some vernier scales are graduated
in 20 increments, with each one representing 0.05mm. When
reading the vernier scale, pick out the increment that traces
up most accurately with an increment on the primary scale.
This price will make up the 2d part of your measurement. To
get your complete reading, add each the cost from the
essential scale and the price from the vernier scale
collectively.

To take a measurement on the micrometer the object is gently

pinched between the anvil and spindle. Once a very gentle
pinch has occurred the user twists the ratchet until it
clicks once or twice. This ensures that the right amount of
tension is applied. The object should be held firm enough to
not fall out of the micrometer under its own weight yet
gentle enough that it can easily slip away if grasped. If
necessary, the user can apply the lock nut to prevent the
spindle from tightening or loosening while interpreting the
measurement. The user then looks at the lines on the spindle
and finds which markings are aligned with the datum line.

To interpret the measurement requires some mental math:

 Read the largest number shown on the datum line.
 Count the number of dashes on the datum line between the
last large number and the spindle.
 Read the number on the spindle that is aligned with the
datum line.
 Add these three numbers together to get the final
measurement.
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C. Questions

1. Where on the vernier calipers would you read to obtain

the main scale reading?

You can read it at the zero line of vernier scale point

in the main scale in order to obtain the main scale
reading.

2. Where on the vernier calipers would you read to obtain

the vernier scale reading?

You can read it where the line in the main scale and
vernier scale both point in each other or lines up the
best, with a scale count of .2mm each line.

3. What is the smallest possible reading (in cm) of a

vernier caliper?

The smallest possible reading in cm of a vernier caliper

is .1cm.

D. Conclusion

Both the Vernier caliper and the Micrometer caliper are

precise and accurate instruments. The Vernier caliper has a
reading error of 0.01mm and the Micrometer caliper has a
reading error of ±0.005mm. Therefore, the Micrometer caliper
is more suitable for measuring smaller samples.

E. Works Cited

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vernier_caliper.svg

https://www.mechanicalmeasuring.com/micrometer-parts-main-
function/
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F. Additional Activity

To get more practice in reading the vernier caliper and

micrometers and for simulation experience you can visit the link
below.
For vernier caliper
https://iwant2study.org/lookangejss/01_measurement/ejss_model_AA
PTVernierCaliper/AAPTVernierCaliper_Simulation.xhtml

For micrometer caliper

https://iwant2study.org/lookangejss/01_measurement/ejss_model_Mi
crometer02/Micrometer02_Simulation.xhtml

Submitted by:

Fajardo, Jaira Mae

Mallari, Mark Daniel

Pile, Nico

Santos, Mark Anthony

Recta, Charles
_______________________
GALILEI

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