Errors in Measurements & Instruments

The above vernier caliper has LC of 0.1 mm.

" VS zero is little ahead of 22nd reading of MS
" Vernier scale's 6th reading is coinciding with the MS.
" Reading = 22.0 + 6x 0.1 = 22.6 mm
SCREW GAUGE (OR MICROMETER SCREW)
In general vernier callipers can measure accurately upto 0.01 cm and
for greater accuracy micrometer screw devices e.g. screw gauge,
spherometer are used. These consist of accurately cut screw which can
be moved in a closelyfitting fixed nut bytuming it axially.The instrument
is provided with two scales:
Main scale
Head scale or Cap Scale
T
5
0
95
Spindle Sleeve Thimble

Screw Gauge

The instrument can have systematic error in it. The diagram below shows different situations in this case.
a) b) c)
R R
T M T M 5
PQ S PQ S
5 0
0 0 95
96
Line of Line of
graduation graduation

E E
Positive zero error Negative zero error
(2 division error) i.e.,+0.002 cm (3 division error) i.e.,-0.003 cm
(zero of main scale is visible) (zero of main scale is hidden)
Least count of Micrometer:
Generally micrometer has two scales. Along with the scales I am also mentioning their least count.

a) Main scale: LC = 0.5 mm (see consecutive readings)

Pitch = distance b/w two consecutive threads = LC of main scale.

= distance moved by screw for one complete rotation of cap.

number of main scale

pitch 
number of rotation made

b) Vernier scale on rotating screw: It has 50 divisions.

When I give the screw one complete rotation (i.e. rotate by 50 divisions), then the measuring rod
moves by 0.5 mm.

 1 division  0.5/50 mm = 0.01 mm = LC of vernier scale

pitch
LC 
number of division on main scale
BANSAL CLASSES Private Ltd. ‘Gaurav Tower’, A-10, Road No.-1, I.P.I.A., Kota-05 Page # 8