33
Measurement of Length
2
a2 a h
a 2 = h(2R - h) or 2R - h = - or R= -+-
or h 2h 2
Jg I (from Fig. 2.16)
But a= Jg and cos 30" = = a
2 2
where I is the distance between any of the two legs.
I •. £+~
- EXPERIMENT 1
1
-
AIM: To measure diameter of a small spherical/cylindrical body using Vernier Callipers.
APPARATUS
Vernier Callipers, a spherical body (pendulum bob) or a cylinder and a magnifying lens.
THEORY
If with the body between the jaws, the zero of vernier scale lies ahead of Nth division of main
scale, then main scale reading (M.S.R.) = N.
If nth division of vernier scale coincides with any division of main scale, then vernier scale
reading (V.S.R.)
= n x (L.C.) (L.C. is least count of vernier callipers)
= n x (V.C.) (V.C. is vernier constant of vernier callipers)
Total reading, T.R. = M.S.R. + V.S.R. (L.C. = V.C.)
= N + n x (V.C.).
DIA.GRAM
Main Scale
E
6 7 8 9 10
Fig. Vernier Callipers-Measuring diameter of a sphere.
PROCEDURE
1. Determine the vernier constant (V.C.) i.e. least count (L.C.) of the vernier callipers and record
it stepwise.
34
t3o"'{i,e4«.~~ Practical Physics-)(/
2. Bring t_he movable jaw BD in close contact with the fixed jaw AC and find the zero error. Do it
three times and record them. If there is no zero error, record zero error as nil.
3. Open the jaws, place the sphere or cylinder between the two jaws A and B and adjust the ja1y
DB, such that it gently grips the body without any undue pressure on it. Tighten the screw S
attached to the vernier scale V.
4. Note the position of the zero mark of the vernier scale on the main scale. Record the Illa.in
scale reading just before the zero mark of the vernier scale. This reading (N) is called main scaJe
reading (M.S.R.).
5 . Note the number (n) of the vernier scale division which coincides with some division of the
main scale.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 after rotating the body by 90° for measuring the diameter in a perpendicular
direction.
7. Repeat steps 3, 4, 5 and 6 for three different positions. Record the observations in each set in
a tabular form.
8. Find total reading and apply zero correction.
9. Take mean of different values of diameter and show that in the result with proper unit.
OBSERVATIONS
1 . Determination of Vernier Constant (Least Count) of the Vernier Callipers
1 M.S.D. = 1 mm
10 V.S.D. = 9 M.S.D.
9
1 V.S.D. = 10 M.S.D. = 0.9 mm
Vernier Constant, V.C. = 1 M.S.D. - 1 V.S.D. = (1 - 0.9) mm= 0.1 mm= 0.01 cm.
2 . Zero error (i) ...... cm, (ii) ...... cm, (iii) ..... . cm.
Mean zero error (e) = ...... cm.
Mean zero correction (c) = - e = ...... cm.
3 . Table for the Diameter (D)
Vernier Scale Reading
Serial No. of Main Scale Total Reading
No. of Vernier Value
Reading(N) Observed Corrected
Observations division
(cm) [n x (V.C.)J
coinciding (n) D0 = N+n D = D0 +c
x V.C.
(a)AE>B
1 D1 (a)=
(b) CD -
D1 (b) =
(a)AE>B
2 D 2 (a)=
(b) CD -
(a)AE>B
D? (b) =
-
-
3 D3 (a)=
(b) CD
D 3 (b) =
-
Measurement of Length 35
CALCULATION
Mean corrected diameter,
RESULT
The diameter of the given sphere/cylinder is ...... cm.
PRECAUTIONS
1. Motion of vernier scale on main scale should be made smooth (by oiling, if necessary).
2. Vernier constant and zero error should be carefully found and properly recorded.
3. The body should be gripped between the jaws firmly but gently (without undue pressure on it
from the jaws).
4. Observations should be taken at right angles at one place and taken at least at three different
places.
SOURCES OF ERROR
1. The vernier scale may be loose on main scale.
2. The jaws may not be at right angles to the main scale.
3. The graduations on scale may not be correct and clear.
4. Parallax may be there in taking observations.
