Manguerra, Michelle Sept 25, 2017

Melendres, Karl Patrick

Merilleno, Jericho M.

EXPERIMENT # 1
THE VERNIER AND MICROMETER CALIPERS

ABSTRACT
One thing that is fundamental to our everyday life is measuring length. Physics is a science
of mostly measurements and this experiment is about measuring the materials with different
figures that are given to us with the help of the Vernier caliper, and a micrometer caliper. These
instruments offer varying degrees of precision and accuracy. The Vernier caliper is a scale with an
accuracy of 0.05 mm and can measure up to 155.0 mm. The Micrometer caliper on the other hand
is a scale with an accuracy of 0.01 mm and can measure up go 25.00 mm. Each group was provided
with a metallic cube, metallic washer, and a glass marble. Obtaining the dimensions of the
materials like the mass, diameter, radius, length, height, volume, and density is an important part
of this experiment. The objective of this experiment is to gain insight into making and reporting
measurements and calculations with proper precision. It demands to demonstrate logical and
mathematical skills by being able to compute accurately while properly applying the rules on
significant figures.
METHDOLOGY
The first step of the experiment was recording the mass of the metal cube, washer, and
marble through a triple beam balance. Then, the Vernier caliper was used to measure the
dimensions of the object. After getting the dimension, the group computed for the volume and
density of the objects and compared them to the standard value by solving the percentage error.
Next is by the use of the micrometer caliper. Same materials were used to measure and similarly,
the volume, density and percentage error.
DATA AND ANALYSIS
Using a Vernier caliper to measure the dimensions of the metallic cube and find its volume
and density yielded a result with a percentage error of 1.07% while the use of the micrometer with
the same object produced a result with the same percentage error of 1.07%. On the other hand,
with the use of the Vernier caliper to measure the dimensions of the steel washer, there had been
a percentage error of 1.02% while the use of the micrometer on the glass marble had a 2.59% error.
 ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS:
1. Differentiate the Vernier and Micrometer scales.
Vernier and Micrometer Scales are both used in measuring the dimensions of objects;
however, their difference is in capacity and accuracy. Vernier caliper can measure an object up to
155.0 mm in length and has an accuracy of up to 0.05 mm. Its main scale is marked in divisions
of 0.1 cm while its Vernier scale is marked in divisions of 0.01mm. A micrometer on the other
hand can measure only up to 25.00 mm but has an accuracy of up to 0.01 mm.
2. Draw the figure for the micrometer readings below:
A. 3.68 mm

B. 1. 59 mm

3. State some of the errors the one might make in measuring length using both the Vernier and
micrometer calipers.
There are several factors for making error in measuring using both of the scales. Systematic
errors includes external error brought about by change in wind, temperature and movement.
Another error might be caused by uncalibrated and faulty apparatus. Solid objects inaccurately
measured might be due to incorrect positioning of the eye. Zero error is the most common source
of error in both Vernier calipers and micrometers. When the jaws are closed, the Vernier zero mark
must coincide with the zero mark on its fixed main scale.
4. Determine the percentage error for an observed value of 1.112x10-5 if the standard value
is 1.117x 10-5
𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦−𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦
% error = X100 %
𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦

1.117x 10−5−1.112x10−5
% error = X 100%
1.117x 10−5

% error = 0.4476%