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Physics - Measurements and Experimentation (Vernier Callipers, Screw Gauge)

Grade 9ICSE

Review the key concepts, formulae, and examples before starting your quiz.

🔑Concepts

The Least Count (LCLC) is the smallest measurement that can be taken accurately with a measuring instrument.

A Vernier Calliper consists of a Main Scale and a Vernier Scale. The LCLC is the difference between the value of 11 Main Scale Division (MSDMSD) and 11 Vernier Scale Division (VSDVSD).

A Screw Gauge works on the principle of a screw. The distance moved by the spindle in one complete rotation is called the PitchPitch.

Zero Error occurs when the zero mark of the Vernier scale or Circular scale does not coincide with the zero mark of the Main scale/Base line when the jaws or studs are in contact.

Positive Zero Error occurs when the Vernier/Circular zero is ahead of (to the right of/above) the Main zero. It must be subtracted from the observed reading.

Negative Zero Error occurs when the Vernier/Circular zero is behind (to the left of/below) the Main zero. It must be added to the observed reading (or subtracted as a negative value).

📐Formulae

LCVernier=Value of 1 Main Scale DivisionTotal number of divisions on Vernier ScaleLC_{\text{Vernier}} = \frac{\text{Value of 1 Main Scale Division}}{\text{Total number of divisions on Vernier Scale}}

Total Reading (Vernier)=MSR+(VSC×LC)\text{Total Reading (Vernier)} = MSR + (VSC \times LC) where MSRMSR is Main Scale Reading and VSCVSC is Vernier Scale Coincidence.

Pitch=Distance moved on Main ScaleNumber of full rotations given to the thimblePitch = \frac{\text{Distance moved on Main Scale}}{\text{Number of full rotations given to the thimble}}

LCScrew Gauge=PitchTotal number of divisions on the Circular ScaleLC_{\text{Screw Gauge}} = \frac{Pitch}{\text{Total number of divisions on the Circular Scale}}

Total Reading (Screw Gauge)=MSR+(CSR×LC)\text{Total Reading (Screw Gauge)} = MSR + (CSR \times LC) where CSRCSR is Circular Scale Reading (coinciding division).

Correct Reading=Observed Reading(±Zero Error)\text{Correct Reading} = \text{Observed Reading} - (\pm \text{Zero Error})

💡Examples

Problem 1:

In a Vernier Calliper, the main scale is graduated in mmmm. 1010 vernier divisions coincide with 99 main scale divisions. If the main scale reading is 1.3 cm1.3\text{ cm} and the 7th7^{th} vernier division coincides with a main scale division, find the total reading.

Solution:

  1. 1 MSD=1 mm=0.1 cm1\text{ MSD} = 1\text{ mm} = 0.1\text{ cm}.
  2. LC=1 MSD10=0.1 cm10=0.01 cmLC = \frac{1\text{ MSD}}{10} = \frac{0.1\text{ cm}}{10} = 0.01\text{ cm}.
  3. MSR=1.3 cmMSR = 1.3\text{ cm} and VSC=7VSC = 7.
  4. Total Reading=1.3+(7×0.01)=1.37 cm\text{Total Reading} = 1.3 + (7 \times 0.01) = 1.37\text{ cm}.

Explanation:

The least count is calculated first, then the fractional part (Vernier Reading) is added to the Main Scale Reading.

Problem 2:

A screw gauge has a pitch of 1.0 mm1.0\text{ mm} and 100100 divisions on its circular scale. While measuring the diameter of a wire, the main scale reads 2 mm2\text{ mm} and the 45th45^{th} mark on the circular scale coincides with the base line. Find the diameter.

Solution:

  1. LC=PitchNo. of divisions=1.0 mm100=0.01 mmLC = \frac{Pitch}{\text{No. of divisions}} = \frac{1.0\text{ mm}}{100} = 0.01\text{ mm}.
  2. MSR=2 mmMSR = 2\text{ mm} and CSR=45CSR = 45.
  3. Diameter=MSR+(CSR×LC)=2+(45×0.01)=2.45 mm\text{Diameter} = MSR + (CSR \times LC) = 2 + (45 \times 0.01) = 2.45\text{ mm}.

Explanation:

The pitch divided by circular scale divisions gives the precision (LCLC), which is then multiplied by the coinciding division to find the circular scale contribution.