Experiment No.

3
Measurement of Areas

Objective:
To familiarized the students with the construction and proper use of a polar planimeter
and its calibration.

Theory:
There are two methods of measuring the area of irregular figures. These methods are (1)
by measuring ordinates and (2) by the use of an instrument known as planimeter. The planimeter
is generally accepted as the most accurate instrument of measuring area of irregular figures.

Polar planimeter, as you may observe in the figure, it consists essentialy of two arms A 1
and A2. These two arms have common pivot at “0”. Point F at the end of arm A 1 is held in place
by means of weight B. Pivot T at the end of arm A 2 is moved around the boundaries of irregular
figure whose area is to be measured. The wheel moves on the paper when the point “T” is
moved, and after point T has completed the tracing of the whole boundaries, the magnitude of
the area may be read from the dial “D” and vernier “V”.
Questions:
1. Explain why there are discrepancies in the areas measured by the planimeter?
2. How do you minimize the so called “human error” when you are using the planimeter?
3. Describe briefly the principle applied in measuring areas by means of the planimeter.
4. How do you determine the area of the zero circle of the planimeter?
5. Discuss and illutrate the simpson rule of area measurement.
6. Discuss the procedure of using the planimeter for the following conditions:
a. Pole outside the area being measured
b. Pole inside the area being measured
7. Discuss the principle of the following instruments:
a. Coffin planimeter
b. Radial planimeter
c. Roller planimeter
d. Integrator
e. Pantograph
Apparatus:
Material:
Procedure:
Discussion:
Conclusion:
Reference: