Object
To determine the least count of the Vernier callipers and to measure the length and diameter of a small
cylindrical rod.
Apparatus Required
A pair of Vernier callipers and a small eylindrical rod.
Principle Main scale
The least distance which can be measured accurately by a
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1213 cm
Vernier callipers is called its least count. It is also called LLLLLLLLLIUL
Vernier constant. Vernier callipers has two scales, one fixed
scale called main scale and one sliding scale which is called
Vernier scale
Vernier scale. Ten divisions on Vernier scale are made equal
to nine divisions on the main scale as shown in figure.
Least count of Vernier callipers is the difference in the
length of one division of main scale and one division of Vernier scale.
Least count of Vernier callipers = Value of one main scale division-Value of one Vernier scale division
Let the value of 1 division on main scale = 1 mm
Then the value of 1 division on Vernier scale = 9 mm
10
Least count of Vernier callipers = 1- mm =0.1 mm or 0.01 cm
10
Upper jaws
Screw, S
Cm
utunluntplua utalutulynuieannihiiiualinalilumlanmlintundh
Strip
Main scale
Vernier scale
Fixed jaw
Movable jaw
Lower jaws
Procedure
1. Count the total number of divisions on Vernier scale. Let it be n.
2. Record the value of one division on main scale. Let it be x.
3. Calculate the least count of Vernier
callipers. It will be.
4. Slide the movable jaw of Vernier callipers and bring it in contact with fixed jaw.
5. If the zero on main scale coincides with the zero on Vernier scale, the Vernier callipers has
no zer0 error.
6. If the zeroes of both the scales do not coincide then the Vernier callipers has zero error.
Observe whether it is positive or negative zero error. Record it with
proper sign.
7. Place the given rod in between the fixed and movable jaws lengthwise in horizontal position
as shown in thefigure (c).
Inside jaw
cm
15
lLLLLL IuuutiLluluLilHLLLiLLt
Outside
jaw Main scale
Vernier scale
-Movable jaw
Fixed jaw Object
Figure (c): To measure length of rod using Vernier callipers
8. Note down the number of divisions on main scale
before zero of Vernier scale.
division with least count of main scale to Multiply this
get the main scale reading.
9. Note the division on Vernier scale
which coincides with any of the division on main
Multiply this division with least count of Vernier scale and add with the reading on main scale. scale.
10. Take at least two more
observations to find the mean length of the
11. Repeat this cylindrical rod.
process by placing the rod diameterwise in vertical
diameter of rod three times. position to measure the
Observations
Value of one
smallest division on the main scale, x = mm =E
cm
Total number of divisions on Vernier scale, n .
Cm
mm
Least count of the Vernier callipers, LC = .
cm
Zero error of Vernier callipers =+ mm= +
Table: Length of Rod
Vernier scale reading Total reading
S.No. Main scale reading (in cm)
(Vernier scale division (Main scale reading
coinciding with any
division +Vernier scale reading)
of main scale x Least in cm)
count) (in cm)
2.
3.
4.
Mean length = Cm
Table: Diameter of Rod
S.No. Main scale reading Vernier scale readingg Total reading
in cm) (Vernier scale division (Main scale reading
coinciding with any division of +Vernier scale reading)
main scale x Least count) (in (in em)
cm)
1.
2.
3.
4
Mean diameter = Cm
Calculations
True length of cylindrical rod =
Mean length-Zero error with proper sign
True diameter of cylindrical rod =
Mean diameter -
Zero error with proper sign
Result
The length of given cylindrical rod cm
The diameterof given cylindrical rod= cm
Precautions
1. Jaws of Vernier callipers should not be too
hand without exerting too much pressure.
tight or too loose. It should be tightened with nce
2, Readings on main scale and Vernier scale should be taken
3. Readings should be taken by placing the rod in different carefully to avoid error. oen-
dicular directions. positions. i.e. in mutually perp
