Romblon State University | College of Engineering and Technology

Phys 211 - Physics for Engineers | First Semester – A.Y. 2019-2020

Name: Date: Score:

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Laboratory Exercise Number 1

Vernier Caliper
Objective: These exercises aim to:
1. To illustrate the principles, use and precision of the, ruler, vernier caliper and micrometer.
2. _______________________________________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials
Quantity
Ruler
Vernier Caliper
Micrometer Caliper
Objects for Measuring

The Vernier Caliper

When you use English and metric rulers for making measurements it is sometimes difficult to get
precise results. When it is necessary to make more precise linear measurements, you must have a more
precise instrument. One such instrument is the vernier caliper.
The vernier caliper was introduced in 1631 by Pierre Vernier. It utilizes two graduated scales: a
main scale similar to that of a ruler and a especially graduated auxiliary scale, the vernier, that slides
parallel to the main scale and enables readings to be made to a fraction of a division on the main
scale. With this device you can take inside, outside, and depth measurements. Some vernier calipers
have two metric scales and two English scales. Others might have the metric scales only.
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Fig. 1 - Parts of a Vernier Caliper

 Romblon State University | College of Engineering and Technology
Phys 211 - Physics for Engineers | First Semester – A.Y. 2019-2020

Fig. 2 - Dimensions that can be measured with a vernier caliper

Notice that if the jaws are closed, the first line at the left end of the vernier, called the zero line or the
index, coincides with the zero line on the main scale (Fig. 2).

Fig. 3 - Vernier caliper with closed jaws

The least count can be determined for any type of vernier instrument by dividing the smallest division
on the main scale by the number of divisions on the vernier scale. The vernier caliper to be used in the
laboratory measurements has a least count 0.02mm. Instructions on how to read the measurements on
this particular model can be found in:
 Romblon State University | College of Engineering and Technology
Phys 211 - Physics for Engineers | First Semester – A.Y. 2019-2020

Step 1: The main metric scale is read first. In our example there are 21 whole divisions (21mm)
before the 0 line on the vernier scale. Therefore, the first number is 21.
Step 2: On the vernier scale, find the first line that lines up with any line on the main scale. This is
shown by the arrow pointing in the example (lower vernier scale) to the 16th line.
Step 3: Multiply 16 by the least count 0.02, thus resulting in 0.32 (remember, each division on the
hundredths scale (vernier scale) is equivalent to 0.02mm. Thus, 16 x 0.02=0.32mm.
Step 4: Add 21 and 0.32, that is, 21+0.32=21.32mm. Thus, your final reading is 21.32±0.01mm.

Alternatively, it is just as easy to read the 21mm on the main scale and 32 on the
hundredths scale, therefore resulting in 21.32 as your measurement. That is, 21.32±0.01mm.

Procedure:
1. Make six (1) independent measurements of the diameter of each metal cylinder/wire.
Result:
Insert picture of the actual specimen to be measured.

Insert actual picture of your 1st Insert actual picture of your 2nd Insert actual picture of your 3rd
reading. reading. reading.
 Romblon State University | College of Engineering and Technology
Phys 211 - Physics for Engineers | First Semester – A.Y. 2019-2020

Insert actual picture of your 4th Insert actual picture of your 5th Insert actual picture of your 6th
reading. reading. reading.

Discussion:

N 1 2 3 4 5 6 Average
D 25mm 26mm 23.46mm 67.89mm 89.0mm 90.88 mm
DL =(L- Lave)

N is the number of particular measurement; L the actual measurement; DL absolute deviation from
the average value.
Direction: Solve for the % error and % difference.

2. Make six (1) independent measurements of the length of each metal cylinder.
Result:
Insert picture of the actual specimen to be measured.

Insert actual picture of your 1st Insert actual picture of your 2nd Insert actual picture of your 3rd
reading. reading. reading.
 Romblon State University | College of Engineering and Technology
Phys 211 - Physics for Engineers | First Semester – A.Y. 2019-2020

Insert actual picture of your 4th Insert actual picture of your 5th Insert actual picture of your 6th
reading. reading. reading.

Discussions:

N 1 2 3 4 5 6 Average
L
DL =(L- Lave)

N is the number of particular measurement; L the actual measurement; DL absolute deviation from
the average value.

Direction: Solve for the % error and % difference