PRACTICAL NO 2

Experiments Name: TO MEASURE THE DIAMETER OF A WIRE

BY
USING SCREW GAUGE.

Theory:
The least count of the screw gauge is the pitch divided by the number of divisions in
the circular scale, The diameter of the wire just fitting between the studs is equal to the reading
in the linear scale plus the value of the circular scale reading

Apparatus:
A screw gauge and the wire.

Description of the Apparatus :

See the description of Fig 1

Fig-1

Procedure:
(i) In reference to a metre scale find the value of the smallest division of the linear scale, and
read the number of divisions in the circular scale. By turning the screw, bring the bevelled end of
the drum carrying the circular scale on any graduation of the linear scale and give the screw a
complete turn. The distance through which the edge moves is the pitch of the screw. Calculate
the least count by dividing the pitch by the number of divisions in the circular scale.

(ii) Find out the instrumental error by turning the screw head until the studs are in comact and
taking the reading of the circular scale against the reference line of the linear scale. If the zero of
circular scale coincides with the zero of the linear scale there is no zero error. The number of
divisions in advance or behind the zero of the linear scale multiplied by the least count gives the
zero error. In the former case the error is positive and to be subtracted from the observed reading
and in the latter case the error is negative and to be added to the observed reading.

(iv) Place the wire breadth wise in the gap between the studs. By slowly turning the friction
clutch in one direction make the studs just touch the specimen. Note the reading of the last
visible division of the linear scale and that of the circular scale which is opposite the baseline. At
each place of the wire take two perpendicular readings. Take readings at several places of the
wire.
(iv) Calculate the mean value of the readings, add or subtract the instrumental error.

Results:

(A) Least Count:

Value of the smallest division of the linear scale = 1 mm
Pitch of the screw = 1 mm
No, of divisions in the circular scale = 100
Least count of the instrument,
Pitch
=
No . of divisions∈the circular scale
0.1
= mm
100
= 0.01 mm

Mathematical Terms:
Total Reading = (1.40+1.47+1.49+1.46+1.45+1.42+1.48+1.41+1.44+1.43)
= 14.45 mm
 Total Reading
Mean Reading =
Obs . No
14.45
= mm = = 1.445 mm
10

(B) Instrumental Error.

Obs Linear Circular Least Value of Total Error Mean

. No Scale Scale Count Circular Scale Reading Reading
Reading Reading d Division T=L+V (mm)
L(mm) C (mm) (mm) V=C×D (mm) (mm)
1 1 40 0.40 1.40
2 1 47 0.47 1.47
3 1 49 0.49 1.49
4 1 46 0.46 1.46
5 1 45 0.45 1.45
6 1 42 0.42 1.42
7 1 48 0.48 1.48
8 1 41 0.41 1.41
9 1 44 0.01 0.44 1.44 0 1.445
10 1 43 0.43 1.43

Discussion:
(i) Back-lash error is to be avoided by turning the screw in one direction.
(ii) Care should be taken to see that the studs just touch the wire. Tightening will injure the
threads.
(ii) Mutually perpendicular readings should be taken at each position of the wire to avoid error
due to the wire not being uniformly round.