Physics Practical

Main Seale

0
5 10
Vemier Scale

Fig 1.2 (c) Negative Zero Error

Like infigure (b), the seventh mark is
Zero error coincident. So for this vernier canpeEr
vernier coincindent mark x least count
+7 x
least count
Similarly in
figure (c) the fifth mark of the vernier scale is
vernier calipers. coincident. So for this
Zero error -5
In case of zero error
x
least count
the corrected reading (value) =
Total reading (
-

zero error)

Object-To measure the diameter of

ExPERIMENT No. 1)
small
Ápparatus-Vernier spherical/cylindrical body.
a

calipers, spherical/ cylindrical body.

Formula and Principle

Least count of vernier Value of one division of main scale

caliperSTotal Total no. of divisions on
of divisions on vvernmer scale

(i) Total reading- Reading of main seale + Mark of vernier scale

the mark of main scale the coincident mark x
or
coinciding with
least count of vernier calipers.
(ii) Corrected reading (pure reading)= Total
reading (t zero error)
-

yExperiment method-
Determine the least count of the vernier calipers and record it
stepwise.
(i) Keep the jaws of verniers.calipers closed. Observe the zero mark of the main
scale. It must perfectly coipeide with that of the vernier scale. Do it three times
and reacord them. If thére is no zero error, record it as nil. If not, account for
the zero error to bé made while using the instrument as explained in text.
(ii) Open the jaws, place the sphere/cylindrical body betweeen the two jaws A
and B and adjust the jaw DB, such that it gently grips the body without any
under pressure on it.
Tighten the screw S attached to the vernier scale V.
 12 Physics Pra
Main scale

7 8 9 10 M
lunulunluu aae mlununlanlulnululuululuul

sphere
Fig: 1.3 : Vernier calipers- Measuring diameter of a
(iv) Carefully
main scale.
note the
position of the zero mark of the verniersphere.
scale
Usually it will not perfectly coincide with
of the main scale.
agains
any of the small
mark of the vernier
Record the main scale
division just to the left of divis-
scale. the
(v) Note the number
(n) of the
division of the main scale. vernier scale division which coincides with s
(vi) Mulitiply 'n' by the least count of the
main scale instrument
reading noted in step (iv). Ensure that and add the product to
proper units the
(vi) Repeat steps (Usually cm) for the addition to be valid.product converted
is

on its curved
(ii)-(vi) to obtain the diameter of
surface. Take minimum the body at
needed. five different pos
(vii) Find the arithmetic readings. Apply zero correctio
mean of the
Observations corrected readings of the
diameter of the b
Least count
(L.C.) of the vernier
(ii) Zero error =t calipers ==0.0
= 10 =0.0lem
=

lem
. CM

Reading of vernier scale

of Reading (b)
of Corrected Mean correct
No.
mainCoincidentCoincident
scale (a)
mark Coincident reading
Total
reading
reading C-zero
mark xleastc(a+b) -tzero
reading
d + d , +d3 +d
count etror)
2.
L d
d
d3
5.
d
ds
Physics Practical|
Calculations L13
(i) For each reading we use
formula, Total reading Reading of main scale +
(coincident mark x
least count)
(i) For each total
reading we use formula corrected reading =
Total reading (t
-

zero error)
(ii) Mean corrected diameter

d tda +dj +d, +ds

5
Result-The diameter of the given sphere/ cylinder is ... cm.
Precautions-
(i) Zero error of vernier calipers should be found
carefully.
(ii) The jaws of vernier calipers should be closely fixed while taking the measurment
of the object.
(iii) While reading the coincident mark the eyes should be perpendicular to it.
(iv) The movement of vernier scale
along the main scale should be friction less.
(v) Jaws should not be screwed
tight.
(vi) All the measurements should be taken in the same unit.

EXPERIMENT No. 1(ii)

Object-To measure the dimensions of an object of definite shape of known mass
using vernier
calipers and to find its density.
Apparatus-Vernier calipers, object of known mass of definite shape (cuboidal/
cylindrical) etc.
Formula and Principle
Value of one division of main scale
(i) Least count of vernier calipers = S
Total no. of divisions on vemier scale N
ii) Total reading-Reading of main scale + mark of vernier scale coinciding with the
mark of main scale or the coincident mark x least count of vernier
calipers.
(11) Corrected reading (pure reading) Total reading (t zero error)
= -

(iv) Volume-For an object of definite shape.

(A) If the object is cuboidal then volume (V) = length x breadth x height
= Ix bx h

(B) If the object is cylindrical then volume (V) rr"l rD°

= =

T|,
Where r = radius of cylindrical body

D diameter of cylindrical body.

I= length of cylindrical body

Mass of object M
()Density of the material of the given object (d) Volume of obiect
 14
Physics Prar
Experiment Method Physi
is found
First the least count and zero error
of the vernier calipers
(1) the lower jaws ofth
of the v
fixed between
(ti) the given rectangular object is
( Now main scale, total reading is
along the length PQ. The reading of the vernier scale and they are wrin Dime
fou
finding the coincident mark of the riten
units.

Main Scale Ler

0 7 889 10 M
umtumbu llulunluulunlnulunlanlnnl_ Bre
Vernier Scale W
-lengtl- Hei

B
Dian
Rectangular block

Fig: 1.4 Measurement of rectangular block using vernier calipers alcul

(i)
(ii) Now the experiment is repeated by fixing the other lengths RS, TU the
between the jaws.
and Co
(iv) Similarly the object is fixed between the jaws
and RU and the
along the breadth PW, Q
experiment is repeated.
(v) Now the
experiment is repeated by fixing the object between the jaws Me
the height PS, QR, VU and WT.
(vi) Now the length, breadth and
of the four corrected height of the object is found by taking te
readings of each and the readings are written ta
(vii) By multiplying the length I, breadth b
and
n
found. By dividing the mass of height h of the its
object vo
the object by the
found. obtained volume, its
u
Observations

) Least count (L.C.) of the vernier

calipers =
0.0lcm
(ii) Zero error= t 10
.. Cm
(iii) Mass of the given body . =
Re
. . Kg
Observation table-Observation table to find length, breadth, height anddiannd th
th-
of the given body-
reca
Sar
Physics Practical
15
Reading of vernier Corrected
scale (b) Total reading Mean
S.
Reading
of main corrected
Dimensions N Coincident Coincident reading| c-(t zero reading
No. scale (a) mark markxC(atb) error)
least count

2
-ttlh+
4
Length
b1 b +b, +b3 +b,
b 4

Breadth b
b4
h h +h th3 +h
h 4

Height h
|h
D,= D-D+D,+D, +D
* *

|D:
Diameter D
4 D

Calculations-
and height the corrected reading is calculated
) For each reading of length, breadth
by the following formula. + (coincident mark least count) x
Corrected reading =Reading of main scale
- (+zero error)
is calculated as follows-
1) Now mean length, mean breadth and mean height

Mean length /=4t+ + . Cm. F.

4

Mean breadth b=+b,

+b, +b, .Cm...
4

+h,+h,
height h= th, 4 * =,....
. M
Mean cm. =.

(1i) Volume ofthe obejct V= lbh....cm* (If the body is cuboidal).

nD If the body is cylindrical)
Volume of the objecy (V)=
M
(iv) Density of the object d= kg/m cm
breadth cm and height is
Result-Length of the given object is cm,
And the density of the material of the object is kg/cm.
Precautions
Same as Experiment 10)
 16 Physics ltu
XPERIMENT No. 1(ii)
Object-To find the volume of the given beaker/ calorimeter by nieasuring i
diameter and depth using vernier suring i
calipers.
Apparatus-Vernier calipers, calorimeter (beaker) etc
Formula and Principle

i) Least count of the vernier Valuc of onc divisio of main scalc

calipers Tatal
Toi nunber of divisions oin the vernicr scal
() Total reading Reading of main scale+ Mark of vernier scale
the main scale the coinciden
or
(i1) Corrected
coincident mark x least count of vernier calipers.
reading (pure reading) =
Total reading -

t zero error)
V=nrh= hDh
2
Where V = Volume
D =inner diameter h depth of calorime
Experiment Methood
(i) First the least count and zero
(ii) Now the given calorimeter error of vernier
(or beaker) is fixed between the
calipers is measured.
vernier calipers as shown in
of the main scale, the figure. The corrected reading is foundupper jaws a
and by coincident mark of the vernier from the rea
subtracting zero error with
the Scale, total reading the inner dian
tor
sign.
,Caloruneler

Main scale
unlwlun 7 89 10 M Vemier
Luulunlnulunlunluuluuluulmulnl Calipers
Venier seale
Strip E

Fig:
1.5
Measurement Vessel
of inner
depth
(ii) Now, for the other of
calorimeter using vernier diameter and
the upper jaws and two
the
correctedpositions of calorimeter calipers
(iv) To find the of the reading is taken as
(or beaker)
also it is fixed
depth
kept on the edge of the vessel calorimeter (or above.
of the vessel as
shown in the
and the
strip is taken
beaker)
the edge of
the vernier cd
(v) In this position also thefigure. out so
much that it touches the
Scale and the coincident corrected touches u
for three different mark of the
vernier reading
is found
by
positions of the vessel. scale as before andfinding the reading
reading o
the
experiment
riment is ref is tet
Physics Practical
(vi) Now by taking, the mean of the corrected readings of the inner diameter, the
17
diam t e of the vessel is found and by taking the mean ofthe corrected readings of the
the depth of the vessel is found.
depth,
h
By keeping these values in the formula V= the volume of the container is

found.
Observations

Value of one division of main scale

)1Ieast count of vernier calipers Tolal number of divisions on the vernier scale . Cmn

(i) Zero error = Coincident mark when the jaws are set x least count

°****°°. C I m

Observation Table-Table for measuring depth and inner diameter.

Readin Reading of vernier Total Corrected Mean
g of scale readin reading corrected

main c-(tzero reading (cm)

Dimensio S. scale (a) error)
|Coin- Coincident (atb) cm)
n No.
cident mark X cm.
mark Least
count (b)

1 h h-b+h2+h3
h=
Depth h2 3
h

Diameteer D D= D+D, +D
2 D
D

Calculations
) The corrected reading is found for each reading of inner diameter and depth
obtained from the following formula-
Corrected reading = Reading of the main scale + (Coincident mark x least count)

- t z e r o error)
diameter
(1) From the corrected readings of inner diameter and of depth, the mean

and mean depth are found respectively.

h+h; tha cm.

Mean depth 3
. '

Mean diameter D= +D, +D, .

Cm.
3
formula-
(ii) Now the volume of the container is found by keeping the values in the
V TD h
4
 S

B 95 98

Reference l n e

error
zero
Negative
(c)
Screw gauge
error in
2.2 Zero it is
Fig: value of
zero error sa
seen
To find the
Measurement of Zero error-
of the circular sea
divisionos above or below the reference line is
the
for eg.-
zero
Scale,
number of divisions is multiplied by the least count
figure (b) the zero of the circular scale is
four diVISions below the refo
the referer
n
So Zero error = + (4 x L.C.) cm
In figure (c) the zero of the circular scale is two divisions above the refa
eferea
So
Zero error = -(2x LC.) cm
Resolution of zero error-The correct reading is obtained by subtractino
error with sign from the total
reading obtained i.e.,
Corrected reading Total reading (+ zero error)
= -

Back less error-Sometimes on

As a result when the screw
using an instrument excesSively the screw get
is rotated in the opposite direction after
direction continuously then the circular scale is able to rotating it
sCrew is not able to rotate round but the tip=
move
linearly. So the reading becomes
is called backless
error. For
avoiding the imperfect. The error so
backless error the screw should pro-
one direction only.
be rota

EXPERIMENT
Object- To find the diameter and
No. 2(i)
gauge. volume of the
given wire with the help
Apparatus-Screw
Formula and Principle
gauge, thin wire, metre
scale etc.
0

By rotating5
if the distance complete rounds of the circular
covered by the circular scale
scale on the of the screw gauge in one
i) Pitch of the screw main scale is x d
i) Least count of the
p== Cm
cm then
screw
gauge =

Total no. Pitch of screw

of
divisions on the
circular scale
Cm
Physics Practicàl

wire-
23
(i) For the diametre of
al Total reading = Reading of the main scale + (coincident part of the circular

scale x least count)

(b) Corrected reading
=
Total reading -

t zero error)
For the volume of wire-
(iv)
Volume V =nrL = RD'L
4
Where r = radius of wire, D = diameter of wire, L = Length of wire.

Experiment Method
) First the least count of the screw gauge is found. For this, for the initial position
of the circular scale of the screw gauge, the reading of the main scale is noted. By rotating
circular scale for its final position the reading of the main scale
5 complete rounds of the
of these two readings represents the distance covered by the
is noted. The difference
these two readings represents the
circular scale on the main scale. The difference of
the main scale.
linear distance covered by the circular scale on
So, from the formula of the' pitch of the screw.
Distance covered by circular scale on main scale
P Number of rounds
the pitch of the screw is found.
the
Now the least count of the gauge is obtained by dividing the pitch by
screw

total number of divisions of the circular scale.

flat ends A and
(i) Now with the help of the ratchet R, by completely touching the
Bof the screw, the zero error of the instrument with sign is found
A and B of the
ii) Now the given wire is fixed completely between the flat ends
SCrew of screw gauge. On completely tightening, the ratchet R can
be rotated freely.

Circular scale
Reference line
B

0
Main scale

Fig: 2.3 To find the diametre of wire using screw gauge

(IV) Now from the formula, Total reading =Reading of main scale (Coincident
+

of the circular scale x Least count) the total reading is found. And from
this by
Part
Subtracting the zero error with sign, the corrected reading is found.
 24 Physics
(v)In this
position the reading of the
main scale fore the
just. befo the circ
TOted and the number of
the coincident division
of the circular le ina
scale in
reference line is noted. line
the wire betwen A .
the experiment is repeated by fixing A and p
OW
different positions of the wire and by taking the mean of the corre rrected reading
OCdch position, the mean diametre D of the wire is found.
(vii) Now with the help of meterscale length L of the wire is tound,
found, vol.
volum
is calculated by the formula V=-TD'L
4

gbservation
(1) The linear distance covered
in one by the screw on rotating the circular Scale s.
direction, x =

Cm
5

(i) Pitch p== .0 * . .

cm.
CII1
0 | Cm
i) Least count of the screw
gauge,
LC P
Total no. of divisions of the circular scale
(h)
ivZero error e E Cm
(v) Length of the wire L =
Table for the diameter of 20 cm
the wire-
Reading of circular scale (b)
Reading Coincident
S. of Main
divisions of Coincident Total Corrected Mean diameter
No. sc ale (a)| circular divisions of
Reading Reading D
(cm) scale circular scale Ca+ b FC- the wire
x least count t zéro +D, +D,
(cm) error) (cm)
D

3
cm)
0.2 60 O 060 2 D
0'2 0oo 0:2 D=
Ds

Calculations 00S 025

i) For each observation
total
Total reading= reading and corrected
Reading of the
x least count) main scale + reading is found as Tofollon
Corrected reading Total =
(Coincident part of the circu
(i) Now mean diameter is reading (+ zero error) -

found by
wire istaking the mean of the corrected
(ii) Now the volume of the
rrected rereading
calculated by keeping
ing the values ofnh
diameter D and length L of values
the wire in the
formula V TTDL
4
Physics Practical
wire is D
25
Result-Diameter of the given =
cm and volume of the given wire
is V . . . Cmn'.

Precautions
1. The movement of the screw of the screw gauge should be free.
2. Zero error should be measured carefully.
3. For removing the back less error, the screw should be rotated in one direction
only.
4. For final adjustment ratchet should be rotated.
5. When the ratchet starts slipping it should not be rotated.

ExPERIMENT No. 2(ii)

Object-To find the thickness of the given sheet using screw gauge
Apparatus-Screw-gauge, given sheet etc.
Formula and Principle
Gi) On rotating the circular scale of the screw gauge in one direction for 5 complete
rounds, if the distance covered by the circular scale on the main scale is x cm then pitch

p *********. cm.
(ii) Least count of the screw gauge
Pitch
L.C.
Total no. of divisions of the circular scale P= cm

(ii) For the thickness of the sheet

a) Total reading = Reading of the máin scale + (coincident division of the circular

scale x least count)

(b) Corrected reading = Total reading -tzero error)

Experiment Method
) First like experiment 2() the least count and zero error of screw gauge are found.
1) Now we fix the given sheet between the flat ends A and B of the screw gauge
according to the figure.
(1) Now the reading of the main scale just before the circular scale is taken and
the number of divisions in line with the reference line is noted.

Reference line Circular scale

B
45
40

Main scale

Fig: 2.4 Measurement of thickness of sheet by screw gauge

 Physics Pra
26 the flat
ends at two
difterent
positions
taken as
of tho
above.
ab
between scale are
The sheet is fixed circular
m a i n and
formulaà
the
one by one and the readings
gs of the
is
obtained by
the reading circular
scale x
least
lea coun
(v) Now for eaci h
observation

(Reading
of
+
scale with s1gn.
of main
error
Reading =
Reading
by subtracting
the zero
mean
thiCkness t of tho.
the
is obtained redings,
t e d reading the
corrected

the m e a n of
(Vi) By taking
is obtained.
Observation
cm.

) Pitch p= 0.1
Pitch
of the circular scale (n
the screw gauge L Total no. of divisions
(ii) Least count of

0.0.001 cm
100

cm.
error e
ii) Zero cm.
L=_
(iv) Length ofwire sheet
Table for thickness of
Mean thicknes e
ular scale (b)
Reading of circ Total
Correctedd
the sheet
Coincid ent
Read ing Coincident Readingt=
ofReading
of Main divis ions of ons
divisi c a l eC=a +b c- t z e
S. Ca tbC-ze

No. scale a circular scalecinculars error) (cm)

x least count Cm
(Cm)
cm)
D t2
t3

Calculations main sc-

of the
Formula for each observation- Total reading reading =

i) least count) and

corrected reading
circular scale x

(coincident division of the

reading - t zero error e) thickness of the sns
the of the corrected reading the mean
(i) From mean

obtained.
Result- Thickness of the given sheet Cm.

Precautions
Same as experiment 2()
PhysicsPractical

ExPERIMENT No. 2(ii)

Objet-lo tnd the vulum' ot the yiven iyular Lanina.
Apparatus-row auye, rTeyular lamuna, a centimetr yrapi paper, a pned,
Formula and P'rinciple
Bv rotatin, 5 complete rounds ot the eireular seale of the serew gauge in one
dintion, it the distane rovend by the cireular scale on the main scale is a em then-

( P'itch ot the serew p=

(u) Least count ot the screW gaugo

Piteh of seren
Total no. of divisions of the eineular seale
(i) For the thickness of the lanmina.
(a) Total reading = Reading of the main scale + (coincident division of the circular

scale x least count)

(6) For the volume of the lamina
If the number of small squares covered by the lamina is N then
Area of the lamina A = V x1 mm?
a r e a of small square = 1 mm}
A N x 102 cm?
and volume of the lamina V = At = Nt,x 102 cm
Where t = thickness of the lamina.

Experiment Method
Referenee line Cireular seale

B
ENAAMY 45

Main seale

Fig: 2.5 Measurement of thickness of irregular lamina

like are
First experiment 2 () the least count and zero error of screw gauge
found.
in) Now we fix the given lamina between the flat ends A and B of the screw gauge
ii) Now the reading of the main scale just before the circular scale is taken and
ue
number of divisions in line with the reference line is noted.
iv) The lamina is fixed between the flat ends at two different positions of the
admina one by one and the readings of the main and circular scale are taken as above.
(V Now for each observation the reading is obtained by the formula-
 | Physics Pract
28
Reading =Reading of main scale+ (Reading of circular scale least cound nt) a
subtracting the zero error with sign.
corrected reading is obtained by the thickness t of the lan
mean of the corrected readings,
(vi)
obtained.
By taking the
mina
and mark its boundar
(vii) Put the lamina on a centimetre graph paper
by
sharp pointed pencil. enclosed on graph
(viii) Find area of the lanmina by counting small squares
as full and leave if
by the boundary of lamina. Take half or more than half square if l
than half.
(ix) Now we calculate the volume of the lamina in cm' by multiplying thicknes
10.
es
lamina, number of squares and
Observation-
CE
) Pitch p===0.1I cm

Pitch
(ii) Least count of the screw gauge L Total no. of divisions of the circular scale (n)
ta
0. 0.001 cm
100
(ii) Zero error e cm if
(iv) Number of small squares covered by the lamina N = ...
en

(v) Table for thickness of lamina-

Reading of circular scale (b)
Total Correcteed Mean thicknes pi
Reading Coincident Coincident
S. of Main divisions of Reading | Readingt= the lamina
divisions of
No. scale a circularscale circular scale C a+b C-zero
(Cm) x least count (cm) error) (cm) 5 in

(Cm)
1
2 62 252t W

48 48
3
-062, 4:2 ta

Calculations
(i) Formula for each observation Total reading = reading of the main s
(coincident division of the circular scale x least count) and corrected reading
reading tzero error e)
ii) From the mean of the corrected reading the mean thickness of thelan
obtained. of
(ii) Now we calculate the volume of the lamina by the formula V = Nt 1
Result The volume of the given lamina V
-

.. cms. =
.
Physics Practical |
27
ExPERIMENT No. 2(iii)G
Obiect-To find the volume of the given irregular lamina.
Apparatus-Screw gauge, irregular lamina, a centimetre graph paper, a
penci.
Formula and Principle
By rotating 5 complete rounds of the circular scale of the
screw gauge in one
direction, if the distance covered by the circular scale on the main scale is x cm then-

() Pitch of the screw p==, Cm

) Least count of the screw gauge =

Pitch of screw
Total no. of divisions of the circular scale
P= cm
n
(i) For the thickness of the lamina.
(a) Total reading Reading of the main scale
=
+
(coincident division of the circular
Scale x least count)

(b) For the volume of the lamina

If the number of small squares covered by the lamina is N then
Area of the lamina A = V x1 mm?
a r e a of small square = 1 mm}
A Nx 102 cm
and volume of the lamina V =At =
Nt x 10-2 cm3
Where t = thickness of the lamina.

Experiment Method
Reference line Circular secale

50 5
40
0
Main scale

Fig: 2.5 Measurement of thickness of irregular lamina

() First like experiment 2 (i) the least count and zero error of screw gauge a
found.
Now we fix the given lamina between the flat ends A and B of the screw gaug
(11) Now the reading of the main scale just before the circular scale is taken ar
the number of divisions in line with the reference line iS noted.
ot t
QV The lamina is fixed between the flat ends at two different
lamina on
positions
 Physics Irai
28 of main scale (Reading of circular scale
+
ledst
counij. *

Reading Keading =

error with sign.

subtracting the zero
Corrected reading, is obtained by the t h c k n e s s t o t thelailun.
the mean of the corrected readings,
(V1) by taking,
ils Doundary t
obtained. paper
and mark
centimetre graph
P'ut the lanmina on a
(Vl enclOSed
on graph pe
sharp pointed pencil. small squares
the lamina by counting as full
and eave i
(VIl) Find area of m o r e than
half square
of lamina. Take half or
by the boundary
multiPiying thicknese
than half in cm' by
volume of the lamina
calculate the
(Ix) Now we
and 10
lamina, number of squares
Observation-

Pitch P5
.=0.I cm
) 5 Pitch
the circular scale (n)
gauge L Total no. of divisions of
Least count of the
screw
(ii)

0.0.00l cm
100
cmn
=
e
Zero the lamina N
error =..
(i) covered by
iv) Number small squares
of
thickness of lamina-
(v) Table for
Mean thicknes o.
Reading of cirular scale (b) Total Corrected
Reading Coincident Coincident the lamina
Reading Reading t=
5. of Main divisions of ivisions of Ca+b C-zero
circular scale 3
No. scale a circular scale
(cm) error) (cm) Cm
x least count
(cm)
cm)
t
62
y8 t3

3.9
Calculations main scale
of the
(i) Formula each observation - Total reading =reading
for = l02
least count) and corrected reading
(coincident division of the circular scale
x

reading -

zero error e) the thickness of the lamina

(ii) From the mean of the corrected reading mean

obtained.
(ii)Now we calculate the volume of the lamina by the formula V =
Nt x
10 c
Result The volume of the given lamina \ . Cm.
Physics Practical
31

SPHEROMETER il

ExPERIMENT No. 3
Description of Spherometer-This instrument works on the principle of screw and
is used for measuring the thickness of thin plates and radius of curvature of
surfaces.
spherical

H
Knob
Main Scale (1o UUUU
Circular disc
M

S
Circular scale

10

Screw

Legs
Fig: 3.1 Spherometer
n this a triangular metallic frame F rests on three legs (Fig 3.1). The pointed ends
D of these legs are in the same plane and form an equilateral triangle. In the centre
of frame F there is a crested hole through which a screw passes which can be
moved up
anddown by rotating the knob H. The tip of this screw is at the centroid of the equilateral
dngle formed by the tips of the three legs. On the leg A of the frame a vertical stripM
dtached on which mm or half mm signs are marked. This is called main scale. On this
ne zero is usually in the centre. On the upper end of the screw a circular disc S is present
rcumierence is divided into 100 or 50 equal parts. Whenthe screw is moved up
dnd down, then the disc moves up and down along the main scale M.

Kadius of curvature of spherical surface (R)

D **

O
(2R h)

B
(a) (b)
Fig: 3.2
 32 Physics lta
The figure 3.2 shows the position of spherometer on a'convex spnerial sur!
1s the tip of the screw in the centre while the two legs A and B on the surfdce dre see
Is the centroid of the triangle formed by the tips of the three legs. The radius of curva
of the spherical surface is R and the height of the tip D of convex surtace from the
surface ABC is DE = h. Circle ADFG is a major circle of he spherical Surtace whic
A and tip ot the s
the cut of the sphere through the surface between the leg
made by the geometry of the figure
Dof the spherometer. Its diameter (2R) is DG. From
DEx EG= AE x EF
DEx (DG- DE) = AE x EF
or
= AE I AE = EF = /}

or hx (2R-h) =F

or R-
equilateral triangle ABC(Fi
From the tip of the three legs of the spherometer
an

the tips of two fixed legs is a then . In

is formed. If the distance between
v3

condition

R=
6h 2
a andh are measured by
So for the radius of curvature of spherical surface,
curvature is calculated.
instrument and from formula (1) the radius of
Pitch-In the spherometer, the distance covered by the screw or the disc up

down the main scale in one complete round of

the circular disc is called the pitch of=

spherometer. 1mm 0.1 Soi

In oneround of the circular scale the sCrew is displaced by or cm.

pitch in the spherometer is 1mm or 0.1 cm.

Pitch
Least count (L.C.) =

Total mo
Total no. of divisions on the circular scale

Generally the least count of the spherometer is 0.01 mm or 0.001 cm.

ExPERIMENT No. 3(i)

To find the radius of curvature of a spherical surtace (or watch ga
Object-
with the help of a spherometer.
Apparatus-spherometer, flat glass plate, given spherical surface (watch glas

Formula and Principle

scale n
(i) Pitch of the spherometer Distance covered by the disc on the main
=

complete round of the spherical disc.

Pitch
(1i) Least count Total no.of divisions on the circular scale
 34 Physics Prac
little, it is kept theleft pae
on
(5) Now by lifting the Crew of the spherometer
a

pracIcal copy and pressed a little so that the markS

of three ger imprin its legs
triangle 1s made with al
paper. By joining these three marks an equilateral of each side using a cr
equal and each angle of 60, and by measuring the length cm sca
is found.

Fig: 3.4

Observation
(1) For the least count
Pitch of the screw = 1mm = 0.1 cm.
Total number of marks on the disc 100
Pitch
Least count of the
spherometerNumber of marks on the disc
=
0:01 nm =
0.001 cm.

(2) Table for h:

Reading of the circular
Reading of disc
the main scale No. of Coincident Total reading Mean
a (cm) coincident mark x
Catb (cm) Read ing
divis ion least count (cm)
bfcm)

2
92
C7*O6
06 2 h
h2
62 3 6 3
Physics Practical

(3) Distance between the legs of spherometer, AB =. cm, BC =

35
Cm,
CA = Cm.

Calculations
(i) Depth (or height) of the spherical surface,
h Reading on the spherical surface Reading on the plane plate = h, - h, cm
(ii) Distance between the two legs

AB+BC +CA
C

(ii) Radius of curvature of the spherical surface R= cm

Result
Radius of curvature of the given spherical surface or watch glass = cm.

Precautions
(1) While taking the readings the tip of the serew should just touch the plate or the
spherical surface. In this condition the tip of the screw would exactly touch the image of
its tip.
(2) The screw should be rotated in one direction only to remove the back less error.
(3) The observations taken on the plane glass plate and on the spherical surface
should be written wifh sign.
(4) For calculations the mean distance between the three fixed legs should be taken
for a. The value of a should be nmeasured with accuracy because square of a is used in
calculatioms.
(5) The main scale should be vertical and not slanting.
Possible error-
(1) If the crests in the screw are not uniform then there is possibility of error due to
changing piùch.
If the disc is loose it would bend towards one side and there will be error in
(2)
recording observations.
(3) If the three legs of the instrument do not form an equilateral triangle and the tip
of the screw is not at the point of intersection of the medians of that triangle, then the
given formula cannot be used.
Description-
The accuracy of the value of radius of curvature R obtained from the experiment
aepends upon the accuracy of the values of a and h measured. Since the square of a is
used in the formula and the value of h is very small, the values of both a and h should be
accurate.

Viva-Voce
Q.1. Why is the spherometer called so?
Ans. Because it is used for measuring the radius of curvature of spherical surtaces.

Q.2. What is the principle of spherometer?