Lab 1: Principles, Use, and Precision of the Vernier Caliper and Micrometer Caliper
Members:
• Joebert Peter De Oca
• Jomar N. Entig
• Gil Joshua Gegato
• Mark Gabriel Demo
• Ulymhar Jane Lupo
Data Recorded:
a. External Diameter: 29 mm
b. Wall Thickness: 1.5 mm
c. Depth oh Hole: 47 mm
d. Internal Diameter: 28 mm
Part A. Using a Ruler
Q1. What problems do you encounter in doing this?
- Measuring the internal diameter and depth of a cylindrical vessel using a ruler is challenging. It
is difficult to align the ruler accurately and see the measures clearly, especially in deep or narrow
cylinders. Also, due to curved surfaces and poor lightning, we find it hard to get the exact
measurement of the said dimensions.
Part B. Using Vernier Caliper
Q1. Is this method easier and more accurate than in part A?
- A Vernier caliper is easier to use and more accurate than a ruler. The caliper's design enables
for accurate positioning and measurement of the interior diameter and depth. Its jaws fit securely
against the inner surfaces, minimizing alignment difficulties and eliminating optical parallax
mistakes. The Vernier scale delivers more exact readings, and its design makes it easier to use in
deep or narrow cylinders, considerably increasing the accuracy of measurements.
Part C. Using a Micrometer Caliper
Q1. Can you use the micrometer caliper to measure the inside diameter and depth of the
cylindrical vessel?
- The internal diameter and depth of a cylindrical vessel cannot be measured with a micrometer
caliper. It is intended to accurately measure small exterior dimensions. A micrometer caliper's
design does not allow it to fit within a cylinder and accurately measure internal dimensions or
depth.
Part D. Determining the volume of a cylinder
1. Using the dimensions obtained in part B, calculate the volume of the cylindrical vessel.
Given: r = 14 mm h= 48 mm
2
Vcylinder = πr h
Vcylinder = π (14mm)2 (48mm)
Vcylinder = 29556.10368 mm3
2. Determine the mass of the empty cylindrical vessel using a triple beam balance.
mass = 5.4 g
3. Fill up the vessel with water up to the brim and carefully weigh, making sure that no water is
spilled.
mass = 36.2 g
4. Subtract the mass obtained in procedure D.2 from that in procedure D.3 to get the mass of the
water contained in the vessel. Assuming a density of 1 g/cc for water, determine the
corresponding volume.
Mass of water = Mass of filled vessel−Mass of empty vessel
Mass of water= 36.2 g − 5.4 g
Mass of water = 30.8 g
= 30.8 g/cc
The cylindrical vessel's predicted volume (29545.94 mm³) differs significantly from the volume of
water measured by mass (30.8 mm³). This could be caused by measurement errors when using
the Vernier caliper for dimensions and the triple beam balance for mass. Also, the stated water
density (1 g/cm³) could differ from actual conditions. Small variances, such as the meniscus effect
when filling the cylindrical vessel with water, may also contribute to the differences.
Questions:
1. Which of the three instruments used do you think will allow you to make the most accurate
measurement of the diameter of a 5 – centavo coin? Why?
- The micrometer caliper would most likely be the most precise tool for measuring the diameter
of a 5-centavo coin. This is due to the fact that micrometer calipers are designed to acquire very
exact measurements, frequently to the hundredth of a millimeter or even smaller. They give a
high level of precision due to its mechanical design and ability to measure small dimensions with
minimal alignment errors.
2. List and discuss the different types of errors that were present in your measurements in parts
A, B, C, and D.
Part A. Using a Ruler
• Error due to parallax: When reading a ruler, if the view is not perpendicular to the
markings, it may cause an apparent shift in the measurement.
• Alignment Error: It might be difficult to get the ruler precisely positioned along the
cylindrical vessel's diameter or depth, which can result in inaccurate measurements.
Part B. Using a Vernier Caliper
• Measurement inaccuracies can arise from reading errors caused by small marks on the
main scale or Vernier scale.
• Zero Error: When the jaws are closed, a vernier caliper's zero mark may not align correctly,
leading to inaccurate measurements.
Part C. Using a Micrometer Caliper
• Friction Error: Measurement inaccuracies may arise from a micrometer spindle that
rotates unevenly.
• Anvil and Spindle Alignment: misalignment can affect measurements.
Part D. Determining the Volume of a Cylinder
1. Errors in measuring the interior diameter and depth with calipers or a ruler might affect volume
calculations.
2. Balance Reading Error: The triple beam balance was misread due to improper pointer
alignment or reading the incorrect scale mark.
3. Meniscus Error: When filling the vessel, incorrectly interpreting the water level's meniscus can
result in inaccurate mass estimations.
4. Assumed Water Density: Assuming water density as 1 g/cc may not be true under all scenarios
(e.g., temperature fluctuations).
