PLABASAN, NINA BIANCA S.
JANUARY 30, 2018
CEE13 FEBRUARY 27, 2019
EXPERIMENT I
CALIPER MEASUREMENT
Abstract
In this experiment, the members utilized various objects made from unknown metals. The
measuring devices, Vernier caliper and micrometer caliper, are used to identify the dimensions of
the figures. It is seen that the micrometer is only used for smaller scale objects or those that
measure less than 3 cm. After obtaining the measurements, each object’s volume and density were
computed. Using these results, including the mass of the objects, the density of the figures can be
determined without further knowledge about the material and composition of each object.
Objectives
1. To study the Vernier scale principle
2. To learn the use of Vernier calipers for
3. The accurate measurement of length
4. To become familiar with the use of micrometer calipers for the accurate measurements
of length
5. To be able to identify the figure’s material through measurements
Materials
Triple Beam Balance Micrometer Caliper
Vernier Caliper Various shaped metal figures
Results Findings
Table 1: Metal Block
Mass Length Width Height Volume ρex ρth % error
𝑔 𝑔
150.2 g 3.840 cm 3.840 cm 1.258 cm 18.55 cm3 8.10 𝑐𝑚3 8.54 𝑐𝑚3 5.152%
The material of the metal block is Brass.
Table 2: Metal Cube
Mass Length Width Height Volume ρex ρth % error
𝑔 𝑔
146 g 2.47 cm 2.47 cm 2.47 cm 15.069cm3 9.69 𝑐𝑚3 8.90𝑐𝑚3 8.88%
The material of the metal cube is Copper.
Table 3: Solid Cylinder
Mass Diameter Width Height Volume ρex ρth % error
𝑔 𝑔
99.5 g 1.95 cm - 4.216 cm 12.591cm3 7.90 𝑐𝑚3 8.54𝑐𝑚3 8.88%
The material of the solid cylinder is Brass.
Table 4: Hollow Cylinder
Mass Outer Inner Volume ρex ρth % error
H=8.86 cm H= 5.756 cm 𝑔
𝑔
20.8 g 8.158cm3 2.71 𝑐𝑚3 2.55 5.904%
𝑐𝑚3
D=1.266 cm D= 0.814 cm
The material of the hollow cylinder is Aluminum.
Table 5: Cylindrical Ring
Mass Diameter Height Volume ρex ρth % error
Inner=0.636 cm 𝑔 𝑔
19.5 g 0.716 cm 2.416 cm3 8.54 8.07 5.50%
𝑐𝑚3 𝑐𝑚3
Outer= 2.168 cm
The material of the cylindrical ring is Iron.
Table 6: Sphere
Mass Diameter Volume ρex ρth % error
𝑔 𝑔
61.2 g 2.451 cm 7.7095 cm3 7.88 7.9 0.25%
𝑐𝑚3 𝑐𝑚3
The material of the sphere is Iron.
Interpretation of Data
The measuring devices, Vernier caliper and micrometer caliper, are used to identify the
dimensions of the figures. It is seen that the micrometer is only used for smaller scale objects or
those that measure less than 3 cm. These devices help identify the length, height, width, diameter,
and depth of an object.
For each dimension in the data table, the principle of calipers and techniques are used.
Using these results, including the mass of the objects, the density of the figures can be determined
without further knowledge about the material and composition of each object.
Conclusion
The devices used for measurement have different sensitivity, consistency, and accuracy.
Common errors are important to be known to lessen the inconsistencies. Despite of the errors, the
group was able to use and understand the calipers and their principles. Both calipers are good in
measuring, but they differ on the ways of reading and presenting the measurements. After the
experiment, the group concluded that micrometer is more precise than the Vernier since the former
can measure the nearest 0.01mm while the Vernier can evaluate only the nearest 0.1mm.
Guide Questions
1. In a paragraph, summarize what you have learned during this first laboratory in terms of
physics content and scientific abilities.
In this experiment, it is all about measurements of objects using calipers. Precision
is the key thing here in the laboratory and this experiment proves it. To achieve the
main goal, one must aim to be precise and specific. Being in precision helps majorly
in data gathering and analysis. Through this, errors will be lessened, and the true
and ideal results will come through.
2. Describe how your understanding of the relationship between fundamental and derived
quantities is different from your understanding before.
Fundamental quantities are those physical quantities that cannot be expressed in
terms other quantities. It is an independent quantity. For example: Length, mass,
time, temperature, electric current, amount of substance.
Derived quantities are those physical quantities that are derived from the
combination of fundamental quantities. It is a dependent quantity. For example:
force, density, volume, momentum etc.
Before, both quantities are thought to be independent and calculated alone or
independently. But now, it is known that fundamental quantities are independent
and have their own way of calculation. Furthermore, derived quantities are
dependent to the fundamental quantities. They rely on the results and calculation of
the physical quantities such as length, mass, time, current, etc. Now, it is known that
fundamental quantities can be always computed with or without the presence of
derived quantities but derived quantities will be never computed without any given
fundamental quantity.
Bibliography
Thompson, R. (2015, Aug. 25). Various types of calipers used for measuring objects.
Retrieved from https://vernierscaliper.com/various-types-of-calipers-used-for-measuring-
objects-105.html
Bolton, W. Engineering Sciences, 5th Edition. Elsevier Newnes, Linacre House, Jordan Hill,
Oxford OX2 8DP 30 Corporate Drive, Suite 400, Burlington, Ma 01 803. 2006
