.
Vernier calipers
A pair of vernier calipers can be used to measure the thickness of solids and
the external diameter of an object by using the external jaws. The internal jaws of the
caliper are used to measure the internal diameter of an object. The tail of the
caliper is used to measure the depth of an object or a hole. Vernier calipers can
measure up to a precision of ±0.01 cm.
object
internal
‘jaws’
‘tail’
external main scale
‘jaws’
vernier scale
Precautions: Check for zero error and make the necessary correction.
Example 1.6
0 1
cm
0 5 10
+0.02 cm
0 1
cm
0 5 10
-0.07 cm
Example 1.7
When the jaws of a pair of vernier calipers are closed, the vernier caliper
reading is as shown.
0 1
0 5 10
+0.01 cm
When the same pair of vernier calipers is used to measure the diameter of a
beaker, the vernier caliper reading is as shown.
4 5
0 5 10
What is the diameter of the beaker?
4 cm
5. Micrometer screw gauge
thimble
anvil spindle ratchet
5.61 mm
datum
line circular scale
main scale Main scale reads: 5.50 mm
Circular scale reads: 0.11 mm
frame Total reading = 5.61 mm
Precautions:
(a) Ensure that the jaws of the micrometer screw gauge are completely
closed by turning the ratchet until you hear a ‘click’ sound.
(b) Check that the ‘0’ mark of the thimble scale is completely in line with the
horizontal line of the reference scale. If not, there is zero error.
Check for Zero Error
0 10
horizontal line of
reference scale
5
mm
+0.006 cm
(b) Measure zero error?
5
0 0
45
mm
40
-0.004 cm
Example 1.9
A micrometer screw gauge is used to measure the thickness of a plastic
board. When the jaws are closed without the plastic board in between, the
micrometer reading is shown in Fig. (a).
10
0 5
mm 0
45
Fig. (a)
With the jaws closed around the plastic board, the micrometer reading is
shown
in Fig. (b).
5
5 10
45
Fig. (b)
What is the thickness of the plastic board?
0.049 + 13.5 = 13.549 cm
Example 1.10
The micrometer reading as shown in the figure is 12.84 mm.
5 10
x
What is the value of x on the circular scale?
12.84 mm = 12.5 + (X * 0.01)
12.84 – 12.5 = X * 0.01
0.34 / 0.01 = X
X = 34
34 is the value of X on the circular scale
A definition to learn
density the ratio of mass to volume for a substance
An equation to learn and use
mass
density =
volume
Exercise 1.1 Accurate measurements
To measure a length accurately, it is essential to have a careful technique. Special
measuring instruments can also help.
a The diagram shows how a student
attempted to measure the length of a
piece of wire. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
From the diagram, estimate the length of the wire. ...............6.5 cm............................................
b State three ways in which the student could have improved his technique
for measuring the wire.
1. Straighten the wire that it does not contain any bend in it.
2. Use vernier caliper or micrometer screw gauge.
3. Could not understand.
verniar scale
E c The diagram shows a set of vernier callipers. Main scale
Label the following parts of this measuring 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
instrument:
0 10
vernier scale main scale jaws
d Determine the diameter of the ball, as
measured by the vernier callipers shown on the
right.
2.8 + (4*0.01) = 2.8 + 0.04 = 2.84 cm
2 3 4
0 10
e A micrometer screw gauge can be used to 01 2 3 25
20
measure the thickness of a sheet of plastic.
What value is shown in the diagram on the
right?
01 2 3 25
20
4 + (22*0.001) = 4 + 0.022 = 4.022 cm
f During an experiment, a student made the measurements shown in the table below. In
the second column, suggest the instrument that she used to make each measurement.
Measurement Measuring instrument
length of wire = 20.4 cm Verniar Caliper
thickness of wire = 4.24 mm Micrometer screw gauge
thickness of wooden block = 17.5 mm Micrometer screw gauge
Exercise 1.2 Density data
This exercise presents some data for you to interpret and use.
The table on the opposite page shows the densities of some solids and liquids. Two units
are used, kg/m3 and g/cm3.
Material State / type Density / kg/m3 Density / g/cm3
water liquid / non-metal 1 000 1.000
ethanol liquid / non-metal 800 0.800
olive oil liquid / non-metal 920 0.920
mercury liquid / metal 13 500 13.500
ice solid / non-metal 920 0.920
diamond solid / non-metal 3 500 3.500
cork solid / non-metal 250 0.250
chalk solid / non-metal 2 700 2.700
iron solid / metal 7 900 7.900
tungsten solid / metal 19 300 19.300
aluminium solid / metal 2 700 2.700
gold solid / metal 19 300 19.300
a Complete the last column by converting each density in kg/m3 to the equivalent value
in g/cm3. The first two have been done for you.
b Use the data to explain why ice floats on water.
It is Because ice density is lower than water.
c A cook mixes equal volumes of water and olive oil
in a jar. The two liquids separate. Complete the
drawing of the jar to show how the liquids will
appear. Label them.
d A student wrote: “This data shows that metals are denser than non-metals.” Do
you agree or disagree? Explain your answer.
Yes! I agree that metals are denser than the nonmetals because metals are tightly packed.
e Calculate the mass of a block of gold that measures 20 cm × 15 cm × 10 cm. Give
your answer in kg.
Mass = density * volume
Mass = 19.300 * (20*15*10)
Mass = 19.300 * 3,000
Mass = 57 900 g
Mass = 57.9 kg
f A metalworker finds a block of silvery metal. He weighs it and he measures its volume.
Here are his results:
mass of block = 0.270 kg = 270 g
volume of block = 14.0 cm3
Calculate the density of the block.
Density = mass / volume
Density = 270 / 14.0
Density = 19.3
g Suggest what metal this might be. ........Tungsten..............................
Exercise 1.3 Testing your body clock
How good would your pulse be as a means of measuring time intervals? Galileo used
the regular pulse of his heart as a means of measuring intervals of time until he noticed
that a swinging pendulum was more reliable.
In this exercise, you need to be able to measure the pulse in your wrist. Place two fingers
of one hand gently on the inside of the opposite wrist. Press gently at different points
until you find the pulse. (Alternatively, press two fingers gently under the jawbone on
either side of your neck.)
You will also need a clock or watch that will allow you to measure intervals of time
in seconds.
a Start by timing 10 pulses. (Remember to start counting from zero: 0, 1, 2, 3, . . . , 9,
10.) Repeat this several times and record your results below.
b Comment on your results. How much do they vary? Is the problem that it is difficult
to time them, or is your heart rate varying?
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c Use your results to calculate the average time for one pulse.
d Repeat the above, but this time count 50 pulses. Record your results below. Calculate
the average time for one pulse.
e Now investigate how your pulse changes if you take some gentle exercise – by
walking briskly, or by walking up and down stairs, for example. In the space below:
• Briefly describe your exercise.
• Give the measurements of pulse rate that you have made.
• Comment on whether you agree with Galileo that a pendulum is a
better time-measuring instrument than your pulse.
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