CENTRE POINT SCHOOL, WARDHAMAN NAGAR NAGPUR
CLASS – XI
PHYSICS PRACTICAL AND ACTIVITIES
PRACTICALS
1. To measure diameter of a small spherical body using Vernier Callipers
2. To measure internal diameter and depth of a given beaker/calorimeter using Vernier Callipers
3. To measure diameter of a given wire using screw gauge
4. To measure thickness of a given sheet using screw gauge
5. To determine radius of curvature of a given spherical surface by a spherometer
ACTIVITIES
Act – To study the variation in range of a projectile with angle of projection .
Experiment – 1
Aim: - To measure diameter of a small sphericallcylindrical body using Vernier Callipers.
Apparatus: - Vernier callipers, a spherical body (pendulum bob) or a cylinder and a magnifying lens.
Theory: -
If with the body between the jaws, the zero of vernier scale lies ahead of Nth. division of main scale,
then main scale reading (M.S.R.) = N.
If nth division of vernier scale coincides with any division of main scale, then vernier scale reading
(V.S.R.) = n x (L.C.) (L.C. is least count of vernier callipers)
= n x (V.C.) (V.C. is vernier constant of vernier callipers)
Total reading, T.R. = M.S.R. + V.S.R. (L.C. = V.C.)
= N + n x (V.C.).
Diagram: -
Procedure: -
1. Determine the vernier constant (V.C.) i.e. least count (L.C.) of the vernier callipers and record it step
wise.
2. Bring the movable jaw BD in close contact with the fixed jaw AC and find the zero error. Do it three
times and record them. If there is no zero error, record zero error nil.
3. Open the jaws, place the sphere or cylinder between the two jaws A and B and adjust the jaw DB,
such that it gently grips the body without any undue pressure on it. Tight the screw S attached to the
vernier scale V.
4. Note the position of the zero mark of the vernier scale on the main scale. Record the main scale
reading just before the zero mark of the vernier scale. This reading (1ST) is called main scale reading
(M.S.R.).
5. Note the number (n) of the vernier scale division which coincides with some division of the main
scale.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 after rotating the body by 90° for measuring the diameter in a perpendicular
direction.
7. Repeat steps 3, 4, 5 and 6 for three different positions. Record the observations in each set in a
tabular form.
8. Find total reading and apply zero correction.
9. Take mean of different values of diameter and show that in the result with proper unit.
Observations: -
1. Determination of Vernier Constant (Least Count) of the Vernier Callipers
1 M.S.D. = 1mm
10VS.D.=9M.S.D.
.-. 1 V.S.D. = 9/10 M.S.D. = 0.9 mm.
Vernier Constant, V.C. = 1 M.S.D. – 1 V.S.D.
= (1 – 0.9) mm
= 0.1 mm
= 0.01 cm.
Observations Table: -
Sr. No (Main Scale Vernier Scale (Total Reading
Reading) M.S.R. reading (V.S) (M.S + V.S X L.C)
(V.S. X L.C) in cm
1
Calculation: - Average of total reading =
Result: -
The diameter of the given sphere/cylinder is………….cm.
Precautions: -
1. Motion of vernier scale on main scale should be made smooth (by oiling if necessary).
2. Vernier constant and zero error should be carefully found and properly recorded.
3. The body should be gripped between the jaws firmly but gently
(without undue pres-sure on it from the jaws).
4. Observations should be taken at right angles at one place and taken at least as three
different places.
Experiment – 2
Aim: -
To measure internal diameter and depth of a given beaker/calorimeter using Vernier Callipers
and hence find its volume.
Apparatus: - Vernier callipers, a beaker or a calorimeter, magnifying glass.
Theory: -
i. For measuring internal diameter and depth. Same as in Experiment 1A.
ii. For volume: Volume of beaker or calorimeter = internal area of cross section x depth
Diagram: -
Procedure: -
1. Determine the vernier constant (V.C.) i.e., least count of the vernier callipers and record it
stepwise.
2. Bring the movable jaw BD in close contact with the fixed jaw AC and find the zero error. Do
it three times and record it. If there is no zero error, then record, zero error nil. Measurement
of internal diameter
3. Put the jaws C and D inside the beaker or calorimeter and open them till each of them
touches the inner wall of the beaker or calorimeter, , without any undue pressure on the walls.
Tight the screw attached to the vernier scale gently.
4. Note the-position of the zero mark of the vernier scale on the main scale. Record the main
scale reading just before the zero mark of the vernier scale. This reading (IV) is called main
scale reading (M.S.R.).
5. Note the number (n) of the vernier scale division which coincides with some division of the
main scale.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 after rotating the vernier callipers by 90° for measuring internal
diameter in a perpendicular direction.
7. Find total reading and apply zero correction. Measurement of depth
8. Keep the edge of the main scale of vernier callipers on its peripheral edge. This should be
done in such a way that the tip of the strip is able to go freely inside the beaker along its depth.
9. Keep sliding the moving jaw of the vernier callipers until the strip just touches the bottom of
the beaker. Take care that it is just perpendicular to the bottom surface. Now tighten the screw
of the vernier callipers.
10. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for four different positions along the circumference of the upper edge
of the beaker or calorimeter.
11. Find total reading and apply zero correction.
12. Take mean of two different values of internal diameter and four different values of the
depth.
13. Calculate the volume by using proper formula and show that in the result with proper unit.
Observations: -
Determination of Vernier Constant (Least Count) of the vernier callipers
1 M.S.D. = 1 mm
∴ 1 V.S.D. = 9/10 M.S.D.
10 V.S.D. = 9 M.S.D.
= 0.9 mm
Vernier constant, V.C. = 1 M.S.D. – 1 V.S.D. = (1 – 0.9) mm
= 0.1 mm
= 0.01 cm.
Observations Table: -
1. Table for the Internal Diameter (D)
Sr. No (Main Scale Vernier Scale (Total Reading
Reading) M.S.R. reading (V.S) (M.S + V.S X L.C)
(V.S. X L.C) in cm
1
2. Table for the depth (d)
Sr. No (Main Scale Vernier Scale (Total Reading
Reading) M.S.R. reading (V.S) (M.S + V.S X L.C)
(V.S. X L.C) in cm
1
Calculations: -
Result: -
The volume of the beaker/calorimeter is …………cm3.
Precautions: -
1. Motion of vernier scale on main scale should be made smooth (by oiling if necessary).
2. Vernier constant and zero error should be carefully found and properly recorded.
3. The body should be gripped between the jaws firmly but gently (without undue pres-
sure on it from the jaws).
4. Observations should be taken at right angles at one place and taken at least as three
different places.
Experiment – 3
Aim: -
To measure diameter of a given wire using screw gauge.
Apparatus: - Screw gauge, wire, half-metre scale and magnifying lens.
Theory: -
1. If with the wire between plane faces A and B, the edge of the cap lies ahead of Mb division of
linear scale.
Then, linear scale reading (L.S.R.) = N.
If nth division of circular scale lies over reference line.
Then, circular scale reading (C.S.R.) = n x (L.C.) (L.C. is least count of screw gauge)
Total reading (T.R.) = L.S.R. + C.S.R. = N+n x (L.C.).
2. If D be the mean diameter and l be the mean length of the wire,Volume of the wire,
Diagram: -
Procedure: -
1. Find the value of one linear scale division (L.S.D.).
2. Determine the pitch and the least count of the screw gauge and record it step wise.
3. Bring the plane face B in contact with plane face A and find the zero error. Do it three times and
record them. If there is no zero error, then record zero error nil.
4. Move the face B away from face A. Place the wire lengthwise over face A and move the face B
towards face A using the ratchet head R. Stop when R turns (slips) without moving the screw.
5. Note the number of divisions of the linear scale visible and uncovered by the edge of the cap. The
reading (IV) is called linear scale reading (L.S.R.).
6. Note the number (n) of the division of the circular scale lying over reference line.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 after rotating the wire by 90° for measuring diameter in a perpendicular
direction.
8. Repeat steps 4, 5, 6 and 7 for five different positions separated equally throughout the length of the
wire. Record the observations in each set in a tabular form.
9. Find total reading and apply zero correction in each case.
10. Take mean of different values of diameter.
11. Measure the length of the wire by stretching it along a half-metre scale. Keeping one end of wire at
a known mark, note the position of other end. Difference in position of the two ends of the wire gives
the length of the wire. Do it three times and record them.
Observations: -
Determination of Least Count of the Screw Gauge . 1 L.S.D. = 1 mm
Number of full rotations given to screw = 4
Distance moved by the screw = 4 mm
Hence, pitch p = 4 mm/4 = 1 mm
Number of divisions on circular scale = 100
Hence, least count, =1 mm/100
= 0.01 mm
= 0.001 cm.
Observations Table: -
1. Table for the Diameter (D) of wire
Sr. No (Main Scale Reading) Circular Scale Total Reading
M.S.R. reading (C.S.R) (M.S + C.S.R X L.C)
(C.S.R. X L.C) in cm
1
Calculations: - Average of total reading =
Result: -
The Diameter of the given wire is…………. cm.
Precautions: -
1. To avoid undue pressure; the screw should always be rotated by ratchet R and not by
cap K.
2. The screw should move freely without friction.
3. The zero correction, with proper sign should be noted very carefully and added
algebraically.
4. For same set of observations, the screw should be moved in the same direction to avoid
back-lash error of the screw.
5. At each place, the diameter of the wire should be measured in two perpendicular
directions and then the mean of the two be taken.
6. Readings should be taken at least for five different places equally spaced along the whole
length of the wire.
7. Error due to parallax should be avoided.
Experiment – 3
Aim: -
To measure the thickness of a given sheet using screw gauge.
Apparatus: - Screw gauge, sheet and magnifying lens.
Theory: -
3. If with the wire between plane faces A and B, the edge of the cap lies ahead of Mb division of
linear scale.
Then, linear scale reading (L.S.R.) = N.
If nth division of circular scale lies over reference line.
Then, circular scale reading (C.S.R.) = n x (L.C.) (L.C. is least count of screw gauge)
Total reading (T.R.) = L.S.R. + C.S.R. = N+n x (L.C.).
4. If D be the mean diameter and l be the mean length of the wire,Volume of the wire,
Diagram: -
Procedure: -
1. Find the value of one linear scale division (L.S.D.).
2. Determine the pitch and the least count of the screw gauge and record it step wise.
3. Bring the plane face B in contact with plane face A and find the zero error. Do it three times and
record them. If there is no zero error, then record zero error nil.
4. Move the face B away from face A. Place the wire lengthwise over face A and move the face B
towards face A using the ratchet head R. Stop when R turns (slips) without moving the screw.
5. Note the number of divisions of the linear scale visible and uncovered by the edge of the cap. The
reading (IV) is called linear scale reading (L.S.R.).
6. Note the number (n) of the division of the circular scale lying over reference line.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 after rotating the wire by 90° for measuring thicknes in a perpendicular
direction.
8. Repeat steps 4, 5, 6 and 7 for five different positions separated equally throughout the length of the
wire. Record the observations in each set in a tabular form.
9. Find total reading and apply zero correction in each case.
10. Take mean of different values of thickness.
Observations: -
Determination of Least Count of the Screw Gauge . 1 L.S.D. = 1 mm
Number of full rotations given to screw = 4
Distance moved by the screw = 4 mm
Hence, pitch p = 4 mm/4 = 1 mm
Number of divisions on circular scale = 100
Hence, least count, =1 mm/100
= 0.01 mm
= 0.001 cm.
Observations Table: -
2. Table for the thickness of sheet
Sr. No (Main Scale Reading) Circular Scale Total Reading
M.S.R. reading (C.S.R) (M.S + C.S.R X L.C)
(C.S.R. X L.C) in cm
1
Calculations: - Average of total reading =
Result: -
The thickness of the given wire is…………. cm.
Precautions: -
1. To avoid undue pressure; the screw should always be rotated by ratchet R and not by
cap K.
2. The screw should move freely without friction.
3. The zero correction, with proper sign should be noted very carefully and added
algebraically.
4. For same set of observations, the screw should be moved in the same direction to avoid
back-lash error of the screw.
5. Readings should be taken at least for five different places equally spaced along the whole
length of the wire.
6. Error due to parallax should be avoided.
Experiment – 5
Aim: -
To determine radius of curvature of a given spherical surface by a spherometer.
Apparatus: -
Spherometer, convex surface (it may be unpolished convex mirror), a big size plane glass
slab or plane mirror.
Diagram: -
Theory: -
It works on the principle of micrometre screw (Section 2.09) It is used to measure either
very small thickness or the radius of curvature of a spherical surface that is why it is called
a spherometer.
Procedure: -
1. Raise the central screw of the spherometer and press the spherometer gently on the
practical note-book so as to get pricks of the three legs. Mark these pricks as A, B and C.
2. Measure the distance between the pricks (points) by joining the points as to form a
triangle ABC.
3. Note these distances (AB, BC, AC) on notebook and take their mean.
4. Find the value of one vertical {pitch) scale division.
5. Determine the pitch and the least count of the spherometer [Art. 2.13(c)] and record it
step wise.
6. Raise the screw sufficiently upwards.
7. Place the spherometer on the convex surface so that its three legs rest on it.
8. Gently, turn the screw downwards till the screw tip just touches the convex surface.
(The tip of the screw will just touch its image in the convex glass surface).
9. Note the reading of the circular (disc) scale which is in line with the vertical (pitch)
scale. Let it be a (It will act as reference).
10. Remove the spherometer from over the convex surface and place over a large size
plane glass slab.
11. Turn the screw downwards and count the number of complete rotations (n1) made by
the disc (one rotation becomes complete when the reference reading crosses past the pitch
scale).
12. Continue till the tip of the screw just touches the plane surface of the glass slab.
13. Note the reading of the circular scale which is finally in line with the vertical (pitch)
scale. Let it be b.
14. Find the number of circular (disc) scale division in last incomplete rotation.
15. Repeat steps 6 to 14, three times. Record the observation in tabular form.
Observations: -
Observations Table: -
Calculations: -
1. Find value of h in each observation and record it in column 5.
2. Find mean of value of h recorded in column 5
Result: -
The radius of curvature of the given convex surface is cm.
Precautions: -
1. The screw should move freely without friction.
2. The screw should be moved in same direction to avoid back-lash error of the screw.
3. Excess rotation should be avoided.
