ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY Faculty of Engineering Physics Laboratory I

1. Experiment 2. Objective 3. Apparatus : Screw gauge. : To determine the dimension of the small objects by using micrometer screw gauge. : Screw gauge, ball bearing, metal wire and digital scale.

4.

Theory The screw gauge (or) micro meter screw gauge is a simple instrument of much importance. Screw gauge (or) micro meter screw gauge enables us to obtain accurately up to the second decimal place in millimeter. ( e.g. 0.01 mm ) [(or) up to the third decimal place in centimeter measurement.] Zero error reading (or) zero error correction of the screw gauge and least count (LC) of the screw gauge must be checked and recorded before measuring the object To measure the dimension of an object use the screw gauge (micrometer), the object must be placed between anvil and spindle by using ratchet until object is secured and then need to take two measurements by using two scales, sleeve scale and thimble scale. They are, (1) Measurement by sleeve scale [Sleeve scale reading (number of both sleeve scale divisions without estimation) x 1mm], (2) Measurement by thimble scale [Thimble scale reading (number of thimble scale divisions) x Least count (LC))] The sum of the above two measurements and zero error reading (or) zero error correction of the screw gauge is the measurement of the required dimension of the object. The required measurements for the dimension of the object are, (1) Measurement by sleeve scale [Sleeve scale reading (number of both sleeve scale divisions without estimation) x 1mm], (2) Measurement by thimble scale [Thimble scale reading (number of thimble scale divisions) x Least count (LC))] (3) Zero error correction of the measurement [ zero error reading ( number of thimble scale divisions) x Least count (LC)]

(a) Th least Count

When thimble is rotated just one circular division, the distance between anvil and spindle is smallest measurement (or) least count (LC) that can measure by using micrometer screw gauge. The least count [LC] of micrometer screw gauge can be calculated as follow. The number of circular divisions of thimble = 50 The pitch of the thimble = 0.5 mm [Distance moved by the thimble when it makes just one complete rotation is called pitch of the thimble]
The dis tan ce moved by thimble when it rotates just one circular division = pitch of the thimble number of thimble divisions

least count ( LC ) of micrometer screw

gauge

pitch of the thimble number of thimble divisions

0.5mm 50
= 0.01 m m

Least Count LC =

m The least count [LC] of micrometer screw gauge = 0.01 m

A measuring instrument cannot measure anything whose dimensions are less than the magnitude of least count. The instrument will have more precise measurement if the magnitude of least count is smaller value.

(b) Zero error reading ( zero error correction of measurement ) When the anvil and the spindle are just in contact by using ratchet, the number of thimble scale divisions which are getting difference with respect to the datum line is called zero error reading. 1. When the anvil and the spindle are just in contact by using ratchet, if the zero mark on the circular scale coincides with the datum line on the sleeve, the value of zero error reading is zero or no zero error correction. 2. When the anvil and the spindle are just in contact by using ratchet, if the zero mark on circular scale lies below the datum line on the sleeve, the number of circular scale (Thimble scale) divisions between datum line and thimble scale zero is counted. This counted number of thimble scale divisions gives the negative value zero error reading. [-1, -2, -3, -4 ...etc.] 3. When the anvil and the spindle are just in contact by using ratchet, if the zero mark on circular scale lies above the datum line on the sleeve, the number of circular scale (Thimble scale) divisions between datum line and thimble scale zero is counted. This counted number of thimble scale divisions gives the positive value zero error reading, [+1, +2, +3, +4 ...etc.] To get zero error correction of the measurement, zero error reading of thimble scale divisions must be multiply by least count (LC) of the micrometer screw gauge. (c) Sleeve scale reading (sleeve scale measurement) After placing the object between anvil and spindle by using ratchet the first significant figure is taken on the sleeve at the edge of the thimble without estimation. Check the complete number of sleeve scale divisions on both upper and lower position of datum line. This reading will give the sleeve scale reading. To get the sleeve scale measurement sleeve scale reading must be multiplied by 1mm because one division of length on sleeve portion is 1mm for both upper scales and lower scale on the datum line.. Note that half scale division (0.5 mm) must be included in the sleeve reading, if the whole line of 0.5 mm mark on the sleeve scale is visible under the edge of the thimble by reading without parallax error. (d) Thimble scale reading and thimble scale measurement After placing the object between anvil and spindle by using ratchet the circular division (thimble scale) line that coincides with the datum line is noted and this will give the thimble scale reading. Two significant figures (hundredths of a millimeter) are taken from the thimble scale measurement or simply thimble scale reading. The distance moved by the thimble when it is rotated just one circular division is the least count (LC) of the micrometer screw gauge therefore to get the thimble scale measurement, thimble scale reading must be multiplied by the least count (or) thimble scale reading x LC. Two significant figures (hundredths of a millimeter) are taken from the thimble scale reading.

4.

Instructions 1. Find the least count (LC) of the micrometer screw gauge and record at the proper place. 2. Find Zero error reading when the anvil and the spindle are just in contact by using ratchet
and record in the data table.

3. Measure the diameter of metal ball.

To measure the diameter of metal ball, metal ball is placed between anvil and spindle by using ratchet. When metal ball is secured by using ratchet then take sleeve scale reading at the edge of thimble on the sleeve and take thimble scale reading at datum line position on the thimble sale on the thimble. Record the all data in the table.

4. Measure the diameter of metal wire.

To measure the diameter of metal wire, metal wire is placed between anvil and spindle by using ratchet. When metal wire is secured by using ratchet then take sleeve scale reading at the edge of thimble on the sleeve and take thimble scale reading at datum line position on the thimble sale on the thimble. Record the all data in the table.

5. Two trials are needed for your every measurement. 6. Find the sum of (a) sleeve scale measurement, (b) thimble scale measurement and (c) Zero
error correction of the measurement to get the measurement of the required dimension.. Record the all data in the table

7. Measure the mass of metal ball and mass of the metal wire by using electronic digital scale.
Record the all data in the table

8. Calculate the followings.

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) Radius of the metal ball. Volume of the metal ball. Density of metal ball. Radius of the metal wire. Cross sectional area of the metal wire. If the length of wire is 5 cm, find the volume of the wire.

Assignment questions
Explain least count of micro meter screw gauge? How can you find the least count of a micro meter screw gauge?

1. Explain zero error reading and types of zero error reading of micro meter screw gauge? 2. How can you find the zero error reading of micro meter screw gauge? Explain.
3. The result obtained when measuring a small object by using a micrometer screw gauge with least count value of 0.01mm is 2.423 cm; Is it the reasonable measurement by using given micrometer screw gauge? Explain. How many significant figures are there in this case? What is the doubtful (uncertain) figure? Give the result in scientific notation.

(a) (b) (c) (d)

4. The following diagrams (a) is showing zero error reading, diagrams (b) is showing sleeve and
thimble positions when object is between anvil and spindle. Find the measurement reading for the following diagrams. (a) Zero error correction for the measurement (b) Sleeve scale measurement (c) Thimble scale measurement (d) Measurement for an object

25

20

(a) Zero error reading

(b) Measurement reading for an object

5. You are given a sufficiently long piece of thread, a meter stick and a thin iron rod. Explain how you would measure the diameter of the iron rod by using given thread and meter stick. (Hint: you cant put the cotton wire to be correct position of diameter of the iron rod.)

Name:_________________________________________ Code:_________________ Sec:______

Data tables
Micrometer screw gauge Object : :METAL BALL Mass of the metal ball = g = kg

Least Count (LC) = ____________________ Measurements Sleeve scale reading x 1 mm (sleeve scale measurement) Thimble scale reading x LC mm (thimble scale measurement) ( ) Zero error reading x LC mm (Zero error correction of measurement) Total measurement in mm Average measurement in mm Average measurement in m mm ..... x 0.01mm x 0.01mm Diameter

Object : :METAL WIRE Mass of the metal wire Measurements Sleeve scale reading x 1 mm (sleeve scale measurement) Thimble scale reading x LC mm (thimble scale measurement) ( ) Zero error reading x LC mm (Zero error correction of measurement) Total measurement in mm Average measurement in mm Average measurement in m = Diameter

Some concepts, important points and examples for micro meter screw gauge
(Dont use for your report.)

Micrometer screw gauge The Micrometer screw gauge is a simple instrument of much importance. It enables us to obtain accurately up to the third decimal place in centimeter measurement. [See figure.]

Datum line On the sleeve portion, it consists a linear scale division of 1mm (0.5 mm position starts under the datum line.) and maximum 25mm length is calibrated. A screwed spindle, which is fitted with a graduated circular scale with 50 divisions, is called thimble. The distance moved by the thimble for one complete rotation (50 divisions) of it is called the pitch of the thimble and it is found to be 0.5 mm.

Examples of zero error readings for micrometer screw gauge

The zero mark on the circular scale coincides with the datum line on the sleeve; the value of zero error reading is zero.

The zero mark on the circular scale lies below the datum line on the sleeve; the number of circular divisions between the datum line and circular zero is counted and multiplied by the least count, which is taken as zero error negative value. Zero error negative value = 3 x LC mm.

Note: The required measurement shorten the length of between zero mark of thimble scale and the datum line because the required measurement must be started from zero mark of thimble scale. The above required length (thimble scale divisions below the datum line X LC) is needed to add to be the true measurement
0 0 45

The zero mark on the circular scale lies above the datum line on the sleeve; the number of circular divisions between the datum line and circular zero is counted and multiplied by the least count, which is taken as zero error positive value. Zero error positive value = + 3 x LC mm.

Note: The required measurement is over measured the length of between zero mark of thimble scale and the datum line because the required measurement must be started from zero mark of thimble scale. The above required length (thimble scale divisions above the datum line X LC) is needed to subtract to be the true measurement

Important points to take sleeve reading and thimble reading (a) Sleeve scale reading - the first significant figure is taken from the last graduation showing on
the sleeve directly to the left of the revolving edge of the thimble is the sleeve reading. If 0.5 sale line of the mark on the sleeve scale is visible at the edge of the thimble an additional half scale division (0.5 mm) must be included in the sleeve reading. To get the correct reading

observe the edge of thimble position directly above the thimble and check can see the complete sleeve scale line without parallax error . Sleeve scale reading multiplied by 1mm will give the sleeve scale measurement.

(b) Thimble reading - The (thimble scale) circular division that coincides with the datum line is
noted and the reading is taken is the thimble scale reading. Take the nearest value of thimble scale if datum line is not exactly the same position with the thimble division. Thimble scale reading multiplied by the least count will give the thimble measurement.

Important points for handling the micrometer screw gauge

In order to measure an object, the object is placed between anvil and spindle and thimble is rotated using the ratchet until the object is secured. Do not handle and rotate thimble. Hold the ratchet and turn until the object is lightly gripped. 1. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN BY THE THIMBLE. Do not handle and rotate thimble. 2. Note that the ratchet knob must be used to secure the object firmly between anvil and spindle, otherwise the instrument could be damaged or give an inconsistent reading. The manufacturer recommends 3 clicks of the ratchet before taking the reading. 3. The lock may be used to ensure that the thimble does not rotate while you take the reading.

Example of measurement taken by micrometer screw gauge:

Find the measurement for the following positions of micrometer screw gauge.

45

Zero error reading

measurement reading for an object

The following readings can be seen on the above diagram. (1). Sleeve scale measurement = 2 .5 sleeve scale reading x 1mm = 2.5 mm [ Note:- Be included 0.5 value of sleeve scale if the whole scale division line can be seen.] (2). Thimble scale measurement = 48 thimble scale reading x LC = 0.48 mm [Thimble scale reading x LC = 48 x 0.01 mm] (3). Zero error correction of measurement = ( ) zero error reading x LC = 0.03 mm [Zero error reading x LC = x 0.01 mm] 3 The sum of (1) sleeve scale measurement (2) thimble scale measurement and (3) zero error correction of measurement (positive or negative value) will give the required measurement of the length by using micrometer screw gauge. Taking data for measurement. (1) Sleeve scale measurement 2 .5 x 1 mm = 2.50 mm (2) Thimble scale measurement 48 x 0.01 mm = 0.48 mm (3) Zero error correction of measurement x 0.01 mm = 3 0.03 mm -----------------------------------------Measurement of an object = 2.95 mm (or) 2.95 x 10-3m