FENI UNIVERSITY

Center for learning and development

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINERRING

Physics-I

SUBMITTED TO

SALAH UDDIN

SUBMITTED BY

MOHAMMAD ABDUL HAKIM PALASH

Student ID: 231031024
Batch: 30th
Experiment: To measure the length of a rod with a Vernier
calipers.

Theory: If s be the length of the smallest division of the main

scale and v that of a Vernier division and if n-1 division of the
scale be equal to n division of the Vernier, then
(n-1).s = nv
1
Hence, s – v = 𝑛.𝑠

The quantity (s – v) is called the Vernier constant which is a

measure of the difference in length of a scale division and a
Vernier division in the unit of the scale division. So if L be the
reading upto the division of the scale just before the zero mark
of the Vernier and if x be the number of the Vernier division,
which coincides with a division on the scale, then the length of
the rod which is put between the jaws of the calipers is equal
to
1
L + x . 𝑛.𝑠

While measuring the length of the rod zero error must be

considered.

Apparatus: A slide calipers and a rod.

Description of the Silde Callipers: Slide calipers is used for the
measurement of the length of a rod, the external and internal
diameters of a cylinder, the thickness of a lens tec.
Procedure:
1. Determine the value of the smallest division of the main
scale with reference to a measuring scale.

2. Slide the Vernier scale over the main scale so that the
zero line of the Vernier scale coincides with a main scale
division coincides. Count the total number of divisions in
both Vernier and main scale between these two points of
coincidence. Record this, to be sure, these numbers may
be rechecked by moving the Vernier to some other
position.

3. Place the two jaws of the calipers in contact. If the

Vernier zero coincides with the main scale zero there is
no instrumental error. Determine the instrumental error,
positive or negative, as described previously.

4. Draw out the movable jaw and place the rod between the
jaws. Make the two jaws touch the ends of the rod, taking
care to see that they are not pressed too hard or two
loose. Take the main scale reading just short of the
Vernier zero line and count Vernier division between the
Vernier zero line and the line which coincides with any of
the main scale division. The product of this Vernier
reading and the Vernier constant gives the length of the
fractional part. The sum of the main scale reading and the
fractional part, gives the length of the rod. Take at least
five readings and arrange in tabular form.
Result:
(A) Vernier constant.
Centimetre Scale: The value of one small division of the
main scale = 1mm.
10 v.d = 9 s.d (say)
9
1 v.d = 10 𝑠. 𝑑

Vernier constant (V.C) = 1s.d – 1v.d

9
= 1s.d - 10 𝑠. 𝑑

= 0.1mm
= 0.01cm.

Inch Scale: Value of one small divison of the main scale =

1
inch (say)
20

10 v.d = 9 s.d
9
1 v.d = 10 𝑠. 𝑑

Vernier constant (V.C) = 1s.d – 1v.d

9
= 1s.d - 10 𝑠. 𝑑
9 1
= 10 . 20 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ

= 0.005 inch.
(B) To determine the instrumental error.
1. Positive Error: When the jaws are in contact, the Vernier
zero is in advance of the zero line of the main scale and
suppose that the fourth Vernier division coincides with
some line of the main scale. Then the error is 4 X Vernier
constant = 4 X 0.1mm.
This instrumental error must be subtracted from the
apparent length of the body.

2. Negative Error: When the jaws are in contact, the Vernier

zero is behind that of the main scale zero. Suppose that
the 4th line i.e. the 6th line of the Vernier counted from
the 10th Vernier division coincides with some division of
the main scale. Then the error is 6 X Vernier constant = 6
X 0.1mm = 0.6 mm.
This instrumental error must be added to the apparent
length of the body.
3. Length of the Rod: