Group 5 2C-PH

26 Julao, Karen Grace P.

27 Lansang, Kyle Dillan T.
28 Liao, Dixee Alison O.
29 Liscano, Bea Patrice G.
30 Malabanan, John Wilfred T.
31 Mallari, Patricia Angelique

Date Performed: February 1, 2016

Date Submitted: February 15, 2016

Experiment No. 1
The Vernier and Micrometer Calipers
Abstract
The experiment is all about measuring certain objects using Vernier and Micrometer and also computing for the
percentage error. The members of the group obtained different geometrically shaped objects such as steel cube,
metallic washer, and glass marble and weighed each using the triple beam balance. For the dimensions, the
micrometer and Vernier calipers were used separately. The volumes and densities of the objects were then
computed using the data measured from the calipers. Then percentage error was computed to see the accuracy
of the use of the calipers and rules in significant figures were strictly observed.
Question and Answer
1. Differentiate the Vernier and Micrometer Scales.
The Vernier and Micrometer Scales are both used in measurements of t h e d i m e n s i o n s o f
o b j e c t s ; h o w e v e r , t h e s e i n s t r u m e n t s d i f f e r i n t e r m s o f i t s c a p a c i t y a n d a c c u r a c y. A
Vernier Caliper is used to take inside, outside, and depth measurements. It can measure a solid 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 0.01 cm. A Micrometer, on the other hand, is used to
make very fine measurements beyond the hundredths of a centimeter. It can measure only up to 25.00 mm but
has an accuracy of up to 0.01mm. Its main scale is marked in divisions of 0.5 mm while the Vernier scale is
marked in divisions of 0.01 mm.
2. Draw the figure for the micrometer readings below:
i.

3.685 mm

25
20
15
10

ii.

1. 596 mm

15
0

10
5
0

3. State some of the errors the one might make in measuring length using both the Vernier and Micrometer
calipers.
Some common errors when measuring the length are caused by the instrument itself, the defective
calipers. Another could be wrong positioning of the edge of the jaws, instead of starting on 0, or could be wrong
positioning of the caliper itself.
Human interpretation could also lead to committing errors in reading the measurement. Most people also
make mistakes on reading where the main scale and Vernier scale have vertical line alignment. In using
micrometer caliper, some tend to use 2 decimal places only, when it should always be 3 decimal places since an
additional uncertain digit is always added at the end of the circular scale reading. And also, the uncertainty of
the line when reading, sometimes the alignment of the lines is not perfectly positioned and because of that one
might not read the same.

4.

Determine the percentage error for an observed value of 1.112x10-5 if the standard value is 1.117x10-5.
% error = |standard value experimental value| x 100
standard value
= |1.117x10-5 1.112x10-5| x 100
1.117x10
% error = 0.4%

Conclusion
After the experiment, each of the members of the group learned how to measure objects using the
Vernier and Micrometer caliper. Also, based on the data, the group members concluded that the micrometer
caliper gives more accurate measurements because it can measure up to 3 decimal places which is more
accurate compared to the 2 decimal places measured by the Vernier caliper.