EXPERIMENT 1

THE VERNIER AND MICROMETER CALIPERS

The Vernier Caliper

Reading the instrument:

Determine the number of divisions in the main scale the zero in the vernier scale had passed. (This may
correspond to the number of millimeters.) To obtain the fractional part, look for a division in the vernier scale
that coincide with any division in the main scale and multiply it with the least count. The least count is given on
the right side of the vernier scale.

Final reading = number of main scale divisions before the zero of the vernier scale + (no. of division on the
vernier scale coinciding with the main scale division * least count)

Example:

The Micrometer Caliper

Reading the instrument:

Place the object to be measured between the caliper jaws and turn the screw until it is pressed gently. USE THE
RATCHET SCREW IN TURNING. Read the number of millimeters on the main scale. Another calibration is
provided just below the horizontal line on the main scale. If the edge of the thimble moves past the division
below, 0.5mm will be added to the reading on the main scale. Read the circular scale which coincide with the
horizontal line on the main scale and multiply it with the least count. This gives the fractional part to your
reading. Your actual reading is the reading on the main scale plus the obtained fractional part.

Final Reading = number of main scale division + (circular scale * the least count)

Example:

OBJECTIVES

To learn how to determine the least count of the caliper used.

To learn how to use the Vernier and Micrometer Calipers.

PROCEDURE

1. Study the simulation package thru http://amrita.olabs.edu.in/?sub=1&brch=5&sim=16&cnt=4 and note the

given least count.

2. Using the vernier caliper, determine the dimensions of each object and record on the table. Show all solutions
after the table.

3. Access the simulation package for micrometer caliper thru

https://iwant2study.org/lookangejss/01_measurement/ejss_model_Micrometer02/Micrometer02_Simulation
.xhtml and study on how to use it.
DATA SHEET
EXPERIMENT 1

THE VERNIER AND MICROMETER CALIPERS

NAMES: Amit, Bug-os, Caitor, Emperado, Fahigal, SECTION: PHYS 25.1 L EF

Date Performed: January 26, 2022 Date Submitted: January 28, 2022

DATA—
Least count = 0.01 cm

Object Dimension (cm) Volume(cm3)

Sphere Diameter = 1.06 cm 0.62 cm3
Length = 2.56 cm 3.35 cm3
Iron block Breadth = 1.77 cm
Thickness = 0.74 cm
Inner diameter = 3.36 cm 48.59 cm3
Beaker
Depth = 5.48 cm
Diameter = 3.26 cm 33.64 cm3
Cylinder
Length = 4.03 cm

Show all solutions here.

1. Vernier Caliper Final Reading = number of main scale divisions before the zero of the vernier scale + (no. of division on the
vernier scale coinciding with the main scale division * least count)
2. Volume of the objects using their corresponding volume equations

Object Dimension (cm) Volume (cm3)

Sphere Diameter = 1 + (6 x 0.01) 4 𝑑
V= 3 π ( 2)3
= 1.06 cm 4 1.06𝑐𝑚
V= 3 π ( 2 )3
V= 𝟎. 𝟔𝟐𝒄𝒎𝟑

Iron block Length = 2.5 + (6 x 0.01) V=lxwxh

= 2.56 cm V= (2.56 cm)(1.77 cm)(0.74 cm)
Breadth = 1.7 + (7 x 0.01) V= 𝟑. 𝟑𝟓 𝒄𝒎𝟑
= 1.77 cm
Thickness = 0.7 + (4 x 0.01)
=0.74 cm
Beaker Inner Diameter = 3.3+(6 x 0.01) 𝑑
V= πr2 ℎ , 𝑟=
=3.36 cm 2
𝑑
Depth = 5.4 + (8 x 0.01) V= π( )2 ℎ
2
= 5.48 cm 3.36 𝑐𝑚 2
V= π ( ) (5.48𝑐𝑚)
2
V= 𝟒𝟖. 𝟓𝟗𝒄𝒎𝟑
 Cylinder Diameter = 3.2 + (6 x 0.01) 𝑑
V= πr2 ℎ , 𝑟=
= 3.26 cm 2
𝑑
V= π( )2 ℎ
Length = 4.0 + (3 x 0.01) 2
= 4.03 cm
3.26 𝑐𝑚 2
V= π ( ) (4.03𝑐𝑚)
2
V= 𝟑𝟑. 𝟔𝟒 𝒄𝒎𝟑

*Input your answers after each question.

1. For the vernier caliper, discuss the parts and functions of each.
The vernier scale is a measurement tool that may be used to determine the internal and external width and
length of a circular or linear object.
1. Outside jaw - used to determine an object's external diameter or width.
2. Inside jaw - used to measure an object inside diameter.
3. Depth probe- a tool used to determine the depth of an object or a hole.
4. Main scale- provides measurement to one decimal place (in cm)
6. Vernier- provides measure to the tenths of a decimal place.
7. Retainer - utilized to block the moveable portion and enable for easy measurement transfer.
8. Lock screw- used to secure an object once it has been properly positioned.
2. For the micrometer caliper, discuss the parts and functions of each.
1. C-Frame: A c-shaped rigid part that has both holding points for a job or objects to be measured as well
as provides the basic structure of a micrometer.
2. Zero adjust screw / screw: The main component on which the micrometer caliper function. Also used
to correct or adjust the zero error of a micrometer if there is some error found before the
measurement during a test.
3. Anvil: A small stationary cylindrical part of a micrometer that acts as a holding point for measuring
objects. The anvil is the part that rests on one side of the frame, one of the mechanisms alongside the
spindle that order holds the object in place to be able to take the measurement.
4. Spindle: A long cylindrical part mounted through all other parts– sleeve, lock nut, and thimble. The
spindle is the cylindrical component that moves when you rotate the thimble, it touches the object
which is to be measured and holds it tight.
5. Sleeves/Barrel/Main scale: The sleeves, or barrel, is the stationary cylindrical component that the
frame holds on the other side of the anvil, which contains the measurement markers or scale.
6. Lock Nut/Thimble Lock: The lock nut, or thimble lock, is the lever that’s used to tighten the movement
of the spindle so that it doesn’t move while taking the measurement.
7. Ratchet Stop: The ratchet stop is at the end of the instrument and is responsible for ensuring that only
an allowable pressure is applied to an object.

3. Discuss how to determine the least count of the vernier and micrometer calipers.
In a Vernier caliper and Micrometer calipers:
To determine the least count of the main scale, the value of one main scale division is divided by the
total main scale divisions.
To determine the least count of the secondary scale, the value of one secondary scale division is
divided by the total secondary scale divisions.
To determine the least count of an instrument, the least count of primary scale is divided by the total
secondary scale divisions.
3. How would you know that the instrument is more accurate than the other by just looking at their least count?
The lesser the value of the least count, the more accurate the instrument will be. In conclusion, we can
say that the instrument with the lesser number of least count is the most accurate one when compared to
another.

4. From the micrometer simulation package given, what do you think are the limitations of such caliper?
The limitation of such caliper is that the range of a micrometer caliper is finite/constrained. Micrometers
with larger sizes and higher measuring capacities are often rarely available and much more expensive. The given
simulation package's micrometer can only measure up to 15mm and is unable to add extra micrometers for
measuring. Also, micrometers can only do one type of measurement; hence they can't measure the interior
diameter of hollow cylinders or holes.

5. Given the following data, determine the least count and the final reading. Show your solution.

Total Reading of Reading of No. of Vernier div.

number main scale just main scale just coinciding Least Final
of Vernier before the after the w/ main scale Count Reading
Divisions Vernier zero Vernier zero division

5 7.5 in 7.6 in 3 0.02 in 7.56 in

Solution:
𝑆𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑒
Least count = 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑛 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑒

0.1 𝑖𝑛
Least count = 5

Least count = 0.02 in

Final Reading = Main scale reading + (Vernier scale reading x least count)

Final reading = 7.5 + (3 x 0.02 in)

Final reading = 7.56 in

DOCUMENTATION:

SPHERE

IRON BLOCK
BEAKER

CYLINDER