1.

Experiment I
Title:
Measurements by Vernier caliper and micrometer

2. Members:
Christian Mark Anikenn A. Dacer
Cherubine Jacob Ocampo
Anna Patricia Reynoso
Maureen Sy
Carliano Tan
Maegan Yturzaeta

3. Abstract
The students used two kinds of Lab experiment tools, such as the Vernier caliper and
the Micrometer. This lab experiment tools were used to measure the diameter, height,
sides and thickness of three given variables in millimeters to centimeters and also in
inches. The materials that were needed to measure were a sphere, a cylinder and a cubic
metal. And after that, the students computed the Volume, the computed value and the
error percentage of the given materials into millimeter to centimeter and inches.
Furthermore, each of the measurements given were significant for finding the
computed value of each material. Moreover, finding the computed value of the material
were easily computed with the used of division. It is more precise for the equation to have
a small difference for error percentage compare to the large difference that might affect
the error percentage that would make the answer inaccurate.

4. Introduction
The advance technology of science is continuously giving us new knowledge and
information because of the innovations and discoveries. But just because we got used to
the new technology or our new way of life that doesn’t mean that we should disregard the
past teachings or past way of living where it all started. Physics is a branch of science
that focuses on a lot of computations and measurements. It involves devices for
measurement that was used even before we were born. These devices became a part of
history and we should be responsible enough to respect them and at least learn how to
properly use them.
In this experiment, we will be using the devices mentioned above which includes the
Vernier caliper and the micrometer. It is very important to know first the proper way of
using these old devices and be mindful of their function. There were assigned objects that
will be measured by these devices the washer, sample spherical, cylindrical and cubical
metals.
The purpose of this paper it to further practice and learn how each tool is used and to
compute the values for each object and to explain the errors and methods in these
measuring devices that will be used. In addition, this demonstration aims to show how to
convert equivalence of different units of measurements (cm to inches and vice versa) and
the comparisons of the accuracy of the solved measurement while using the devices. To
have a clearer understanding with the devices that would be used in the experiment, here
are some short descriptions which would hopefully aid the process:
A Vernier caliper is a device used before to measure with high precision linear
dimensions of an object. It has a main scale and a Vernier scale in which one of those
involves the capacity to measure the external and internal distances of an object both in
metric and imperial scale. On the other hand, the other device which is the micrometer is
a precision instrument with a finely threaded screw that disciples a spindle face towards
or away from the anvil face.
With the information above, the experiment would proceed in a manner that the
conductors would be more familiar with. It is necessary to conduct this experiment with
others to get a touch of how these devices work first hand rather than only reading it on
paper. Having this information about the devices it would be a great addition to many
skills one can have.

5. Theory

A. Vernier Caliper

Vernier Caliper is an instrument for making a very accurate linear

measurements. It can be used to measure internal and external distances
extremely precisely. The main scale has two parts, The imperial scale and metric
scale. The internal jaw on the imperial part of the caliper, measures the inner
diameter or the length of an object, while the external jaw on the metric part of the
caliper, measures the outer length of an object. Furthermore, the thin blade on the
bottom pat of the caliper is used to measure the depth of an object, while the
Locking screw is used after placing the object on the internal or external jaw to
hold the measurements and prevent it from moving.
 Figure 1.1 Vernier Caliper. (https://engineeringinsider.org/vernier-caliper/ )

B. Micrometer

A micrometer is an instrument used for making precise linear

measurements. It consists of C – Shaped frame with movable jaw operated by an
integral screw. It uses a threaded screw to compress two cylindrical faces to
measure object in between. These two faces are the anvil face and the spindle
face. You can see the dimensions on the sleeve and thimble part. While the Rachet
is the screw used to push the object to see the dimension of the measurement.

Figure 1.2. Micrometer. (https://www.mechanicalmeasuring.com/microameter-

parts-main-function/)
 6. Methodology
The instructor gave the students two kinds of instruments one would be micrometer
and the second would be the vernier caliper given with three variable to be measured .
the group first used the micrometer to measure the three variables , each object were
place between the anvil and spindle faces were the object needs to be tightened to be
measured .after putting the objects the students first read the measurements that’s seen
between the thimble which is the sleeve . The units use for the measurements of the
micrometer is mm which the students converted it into cm, this was for the measurements
in inches. Comparing this to the micrometer's anvil and spindle faces, this instrument has
external jaws. The external jaws purpose is where the objects were placed. This also has
an adjustment screw called locking screw for the students to tighten the object to the
instrument. After finding the measurements with the use of this material, computed for
each given material. Next was the computed value. Achieving this task would require the
students to divide diameter by diameter, height by height, thickness by thickness, and
volume by volume. Lastly, the error percentage was achieved by the use of the proper
equation and substitution for each given.

7. Results and Discussions

The experiment was successfully executed by using the vernier caliper and
micrometer. Three object namely: Spherical Metal, Cylinder and Cube were measured
to find their respective diameter, height and volume in centimeter and inches. In
addition, computation of error percentage is included. The error percentage will
determine the precision of the Computed Value (CV) base on the accepted value (AV).
Formulas used included:

Volume of sphere:

V= 4/3π𝑟 3

Volume of the cylinder:

𝑑
V= π( 2 )2

Volume of the square:

 V= 𝑠 3

Error Percentage: E%

E%= [(AV - CV)/AV]x100

E%= (2.54 cm - CV) /2.54 cm

AV= Accepted Value

CV= Computed Value

The data are the following:

SPHERE

Diameter in cm Diameter in Inches

1.988 0.76in

Table 1. Dimension of objects - Sphere

CYLINDER

Diameter in Diameter in Height in Height in

 cm inches cm inches

2.469cm 0.98in 1.235cm 0.46in

Table 2: Dimension of objects - Cylinder

CUBE

Side in Side in
cm inches

3.879cm 0.76in

Table 3: Dimension of objects - Cube

SPHERE

V of sphere in V of sphere in (CV) (CV)

𝑐𝑚3 𝑖𝑛3 1.00n in cm 1.00 in in
𝑐𝑚3

4.11 0.23 2.62cm 17.8in

𝑐𝑚3 𝑖𝑛3

Table 4: Volume of objects - Sphere

CYLINDER
 V of cylinder in V of cylinder in (CV) (CV)
𝑐𝑚3 𝑖𝑛3 1.00in in 1.00in in
𝑐𝑚 𝑐𝑚3

5.91 0.35 252cm 16.89in

𝑐𝑚3 𝑖𝑛3

Table 5: Volume of objects – Cylinder

CUBE

V of cube in V of cube in (CV) (CV)

𝑐𝑚3 𝑖𝑛3 1.00in in cm 1.00in in
𝑐𝑚3
0.63 0.44 2.48cm 15.07in
𝑐𝑚3 𝑖𝑛3

Table 6: Volume of objects - Cube

SPHERE

E%=(2.54cm-CV/2.54cm)x100 E%=(16.39
𝑐𝑚3 -CV/16.39cm)x100
3.15% -8.07%

Table 7: Error Percentage – Sphere

CYLINDER

E%=(2.54cm-CV/2.54cm)x100 E%=(16.39-
3
𝑐𝑚 CV/16.39cm)x100
0.79% -3.05%
 Table 8: Error Percentage – Cylinder

CUBE

E%=(2.54cm-CV/2.54cm)x100 E%=(16.39
𝑐𝑚3 -CV/16.39cm)x100
2.36% 8.05%

Table 9: Error Percentage – Cube

The Error Percentage of the objects are relatively low but the cubes E% rates the
highest error with 8.05%.

8. Applications
The vernier caliper and micrometer prove to be a one of a kind device to measure
accurately and precisely and until now it is used in many fields. These devices can not
only give precision to what we are measuring, but also helps us in analyzing carefully the
materials that we are measuring. This experiment helped us be knowledgeable of the
things around us, that rulers and other measuring tools are not only made to measure,
but also these kind of instrument to provide accuracy in gathering data. In our field of
study, architecture, as future architects, we should be aware of what is the standard that
is given to us because this is the foundation in making a good and efficient structure. Not
only in architecture, but as students ourselves, we should sometimes measure and be
accurate on how to balance our time and spend them wisely.

9. Conclusion
To conclude the experiment, our group learned how to use a micrometer and Vernier
caliper. The experiment is kind of difficult for us since it’s our first time handling these
equipment, but somehow we managed to use it at ease. As a group, we learned that
being precise and accurate at the same time is very important in doing the experiments
because we have to be specific on the decimal places. It’s not just how to use the
equipment we learned but also how to solve for the volume of a figure and error
percentage. By looking at the error percentage, we we’re able to see where we needed
to change our mistakes.

10. Answers to Question and problem

Sphere
Volume in 𝑐𝑚3
V = (4/3)(Pi)(d /2)3
V =(4/3)(Pi)(1.988cm/2)3
V = 4.113843466
V = 4.11𝑐𝑚3
Volume in 𝑖𝑛3
V = (4/3)(Pi)(0.76in/2)3
V = 0.229847291
V = 0.23𝑖𝑛3

CV (1in in cm)
CV = Diameter in cm/ Diameter in inches
CV = 1.988cm/0.76in
CV= 2.615789474
CV= 2.62
CV (𝑖𝑛3 in 𝑐𝑚3 )
CV = V cm/ V in
CV= 4.11𝑐𝑚3 / 0.23𝑖𝑛3
CV = 17.86
Cylinder
Volume in 𝑐𝑚3
V = (Pi)(d /2)2 h
 V =(Pi) (2.469cm)/2)2 (1.235cm)
V = 5.91𝑐𝑚3
Volume in 𝑖𝑛3
V = (Pi)(0.98in/2)2 (0.46)
V =0.35 𝑖𝑛3
CV (1in in cm)
CV= Diameter in cm/ Diameter in inches
CV = 2.469cm/ 0.98 in
CV = 2.52

11. References
Juelar, L. (2018). Physics 105 Laboratory manual. Loreto A. Juelar