Physics
How to Use a Vernier Caliper
A vernier caliper measures lengths more precisely than a ruler. It can measure the outside diameter of a wire or ball, the inside diameter of a pipe, and the depth of a hole, correct to 0.1 mm (0.01 cm).
Least count = 1 MSD − 1 VSD
Observed reading = MSR + (VSR × least count)
Correct reading = observed reading − zero error
MSD means main scale division, VSD means vernier scale division, MSR is the main scale reading and VSR is the vernier scale reading. This activity uses a caliper where 10 VSD = 9 MSD and 1 MSD = 1 mm.
- Learn the parts of the vernier caliper.
- Find the least count.
- Check the zero error.
- Close the jaws on an object.
- Read both scales and correct the result.