ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY Faculty of Engineering Physics Laboratory I

1. Experiment 2. Objective : Screw gauge (micrometer screw gauge). : To determine the dimension of the small objects by using micrometer screw gauge. : Screw gauge, ball bearing, metal wire and digital scale.

3. Apparatus 4. Theory

: The screw gauge (or) micro meter screw gauge is a simple instrument of much
importance. Screw gauge (or) micro meter screw gauge enables us to obtain accurately up to the second decimal place in millimeter. (e.g. 0.01 mm) [(or) up to the third decimal place in centimeter measurement.]

Least count (LC) and Zero error reading (or) zero error correction of micrometer screw gauge must be checked and recorded before measuring the object (a) Least Count of micrometer screw gauge When thimble is rotated just one circular division, the distance between anvil and spindle is the smallest measurement (or) least count (LC) that can measure by micrometer screw gauge. The least count [LC] of micrometer screw gauge can be calculated as pitch of the thimble divided by the number of circular thimble divisions. When one complete rotation of the thimble is made, the movement of spindle to anvil called pitch of the thimble. That distance can be measured on the sleeve by the movement of edge of thimble The pitch of the thimble = 0.5 mm The number of circular divisions of thimble = 50
The distance moved by thimble when it rotates just one circular division pitch of the thimble number of thimble divisions

least count ( LC ) of micrometer screw gauge

pitch of the thimble number of thimble divisions

0.5mm 0.01 mm 50 The least count [LC] of micrometer screw gauge 0.01 mm

Least Count LC

A measuring instrument cannot measure anything whose dimensions are less than the magnitude of least count. The instrument will have more precise measurement if the magnitude of least count is smaller value.

(b) Zero error reading of micrometer screw gauge ( zero error correction of measurement )

When the anvil and the spindle are just in contact by using ratchet, the number of thimble scale divisions which are getting difference upward or down ward position with respect to the datum line is called zero error reading of micrometer screw gauge. 1. When the anvil and the spindle are just in contact by using ratchet, if the zero mark on the circular thimble scale coincides with the datum line on the sleeve, the value of zero error reading is zero or no zero error correction. 2. When the anvil and the spindle are just in contact by using ratchet, if the zero mark on circular thimble scale lies below the datum line on the sleeve, the number of circular thimble scale divisions between datum line and thimble scale zero is counted. This counted number of circular thimble scale divisions gives the negative value zero error reading of micrometer screw gauge. [-1, -2, -3, -4 ...etc.] 3. When the anvil and the spindle are just in contact by using ratchet, if the zero mark on circular thimble scale lies above the datum line on the sleeve, the number of circular thimble scale divisions between datum line and thimble scale zero is counted. This counted number of circular thimble scale divisions gives the positive value zero error reading of micrometer screw gauge. [+1, +2, +3, +4 ...etc.] To get zero error correction of the measurement, zero error reading of thimble scale divisions must be multiply by least count (LC) of the micrometer screw gauge.

Examples of zero error readings for micrometer screw gauge

The zero mark on the circular scale coincides with the datum line on the sleeve; the value of zero error reading is zero.

The required measurement is longer the length of between zero mark of thimble scale and the datum line; because the measurement must be started from two scale zero marks together. The above required length can be calculated by number of thimble scale divisions below the datum line times of least count and it must be subtract from the total measurement. Zero error negative value = 3 x LC mm.

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The required measurement is shortening the length of between zero mark of thimble scale and the datum line; because the measurement must be started from two scale zero marks together. The above required length can be calculated by number of thimble scale divisions below the datum line times of least count and it must be added from the total measurement. Zero error positive value = + 3 x LC mm.

Measurement of objects by using micrometer screw gauge To measure the dimension of an object by using the micrometer screw gauge, the object must be placed between anvil and spindle by using ratchet without over force until object is secured and then need to take two measurements by using two scales, sleeve scale and thimble scale.

(1) Measurement by sleeve scale [Sleeve scale reading (full number of both sleeve scale divisions without estimation) x 1mm], (2) Measurement by thimble scale [Thimble scale reading (number of thimble scale divisions) x Least count (LC))]

(c) Sleeve scale reading (sleeve scale measurement) After placing the object between anvil and spindle by using ratchet sleeve scale reading is taken full number of sleeve scale divisions on the sleeve at the edge of the thimble without estimation. Check the complete number of sleeve scale divisions on both upper and lower position of datum line. This reading will give the sleeve scale reading. To get the sleeve scale measurement sleeve scale reading must be multiplied by 1mm; because one division of length on sleeve portion is 1mm for both upper scales and lower scale on the datum line. Note that under the datum line, half scale division (0.5 mm) must be included in the sleeve reading, if the whole line of 0.5 mm mark on the sleeve scale is visible under the edge of the thimble by reading without parallax error. (d) Thimble scale reading and thimble scale measurement After placing the object between anvil and spindle by using ratchet the circular thimble scale line that coincides with the datum line is the thimble scale reading. If datum line does not coincide with thimble scale line, take nearest value of thimble scale. Two significant figures (hundredths of a millimeter) are taken from the thimble scale measurement or simply thimble scale reading. The distance moved by the thimble when it is rotated just one circular division is the least count (LC) of the micrometer screw gauge therefore to get the thimble scale measurement, thimble scale reading The sum of the above two measurements and zero error reading (or) zero error correction of the screw gauge is the measurement of the required dimension of the object. The required measurements for the dimension of the object are, (1) Measurement by sleeve scale [Sleeve scale reading (number of both sleeve scale divisions without estimation) x 1mm], (2) Measurement by thimble scale [Thimble scale reading (number of thimble scale divisions) x Least count (LC))] (3) Zero error correction of the measurement [ zero error reading ( number of thimble scale divisions) x Least count (LC)]

4. Instructions
1. Find the least count (LC) of the micrometer screw gauge and record at the proper place. 2. Find Zero error reading when the anvil and the spindle are just in contact by using ratchet and record in the data table.

3. Metal ball is placed between anvil and spindle by using ratchet without over force. When metal ball is secured by using ratchet then take sleeve scale reading at the edge of thimble on the sleeve and take thimble scale reading at datum line position on the thimble sale on the thimble. Record the all data in the table. 4. Metal wire is placed between anvil and spindle by using ratchet without over force. When metal wire is secured by using ratchet then take sleeve scale reading at the edge of thimble on the sleeve and take thimble scale reading at datum line position on the thimble sale on the thimble. Record the all data in the table. 5. Two trials are needed for your every measurement. 6. Find the sum of (a) sleeve scale measurement, (b) thimble scale measurement and (c) Zero error correction of the measurement to get the measurement of the required dimension.. Record the all data in the table 7. Measure the mass of metal ball and mass of the metal wire by using electronic digital scale. Record the all data in the table 8. Calculate the followings. (a) Radius of the metal ball. (b) Volume of the metal ball. (c) Density of metal ball. (d) Radius of the metal wire. (e) Cross sectional area of the metal wire. (f) If the length of wire is 5 cm, find the volume of the wire.

Assignment questions
1. Explain least count of micro meter screw gauge 2. How can you calculate the least count of a micro meter screw gauge? 3. Explain zero error reading and types of zero error reading of micro meter screw gauge? 4. How can you calculate the zero error reading of micro meter screw gauge? Explain. 5. The result obtained when measuring a small object by using a micrometer screw gauge with least count value of 0.01mm is 2.423 cm; (a) Is it the reasonable measurement by using given micrometer screw gauge, yes or no? Explain to support your answer. (b) How many significant figures are there in this case? (c) What is the doubtful (uncertain) figure? (d) Give the result in scientific notation. 6. The following diagrams (a) is showing zero error reading of micrometer screw gauge, diagrams (b) is showing sleeve and thimble positions when a small metal ball is between anvil and spindle without over force. Find the measurement (diameter) readings for the following diagrams. Answer should be included according to the following steps in scientific notation and SI unit. Least count (LC) of micrometer screw gauge = Sleeve scale measurement = Thimble scale measurement x LC =

Zero error correction of measurement x LC = Measurement (diameter) of metal ball =

25

20

(a) Zero error reading

(b) Measurement reading for an object

7. You are given a sufficiently long piece of thread, a meter stick and a thin round shape iron rod. Explain how would you measure the diameter of iron rod by using given thread and meter stick. (Hint: you cant put the cotton wire to be correct position of diameter of the iron rod. You should use another way to measure the diameter of iron rod)

Name:_________________________________________ Code:_________________ Sec:______

Data tables
Micrometer screw gauge

Object : :METAL BALL Mass of the metal ball = g = kg

Least Count (LC) = ____________________

Measurements Sleeve scale reading x 1 mm (sleeve scale measurement) Thimble scale reading x LC mm (thimble scale measurement) () Zero error reading x LC mm (Zero error correction of measurement) Total measurement in mm Average measurement in mm Average measurement in m mm ..... x 0.01mm x 0.01mm

Diameter

Object : :METAL WIRE Mass of the metal wire =

Measurements Sleeve scale reading x 1 mm (sleeve scale measurement) Thimble scale reading x LC mm (thimble scale measurement) () Zero error reading x LC mm (Zero error correction of measurement) Total measurement in mm Average measurement in mm Average measurement in m

Diameter

Some concepts, important points and examples for micro meter screw gauge
(Dont use for your report.) Micrometer screw gauge The Micrometer screw gauge is a simple instrument of much importance. It enables us to obtain accurately up to the third decimal place in centimeter measurement. [See figure.]

Datum line On the sleeve portion, it consists a linear scale division of 1mm (0.5 mm position starts under the datum line.) and maximum 25mm length is calibrated. A screwed spindle, which is fitted with a graduated circular scale with 50 divisions, is called thimble. The distance moved by the thimble for one complete rotation (50 divisions) of it is called the pitch of the thimble and it is found to be 0.5 mm.

Important points to take sleeve reading and thimble reading

(a) Sleeve scale reading - the first significant figure is taken from the last graduation showing on the sleeve directly to the left of the revolving edge of the thimble is the sleeve reading. If 0.5 sale line of the mark on the sleeve scale is visible at the edge of the thimble an additional half scale division (0.5 mm) must be included in the sleeve reading. To get the correct reading observe the edge of thimble position directly above the thimble and check can see the complete sleeve scale line without parallax error . Sleeve scale reading multiplied by 1mm will give the sleeve scale measurement. Thimble reading - The (thimble scale) circular division that coincides with the datum line is noted and the reading is taken is the thimble scale reading. Take the nearest value of thimble scale if datum line is not exactly the same position with the thimble division. Thimble scale reading multiplied by the least count will give the thimble measurement.

(b)

Important points for handling the micrometer screw gauge

In order to measure an object, the object is placed between anvil and spindle and thimble is rotated using the ratchet until the object is secured. Do not handle and rotate thimble. Hold the ratchet and turn until the object is lightly gripped. 1. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN BY THE THIMBLE. Do not handle and rotate thimble. 2. Note that the ratchet knob must be used to secure the object firmly between anvil and spindle, otherwise the instrument could be damaged or give an inconsistent reading. The manufacturer recommends 3 clicks of the ratchet before taking the reading. 3. The lock may be used to ensure that the thimble does not rotate while you take the reading.

Example of measurement taken by micrometer screw gauge:

Find the measurement for the following positions of micrometer screw gauge.

45

Zero error reading

measurement reading for an object

The following readings can be seen on the above diagram. (1). Sleeve scale measurement = 2 .5 sleeve scale reading x 1mm = 2.5 mm [ Note:- Be included 0.5 value of sleeve scale if the whole scale division line can be seen.] (2). Thimble scale measurement = 48 thimble scale reading x LC = 0.48 mm [Thimble scale reading x LC = 48 x 0.01 mm] (3). Zero error correction of measurement = () zero error reading x LC = 0.03 mm [Zero error reading x LC = 3 x 0.01 mm] The sum of (1) sleeve scale measurement (2) thimble scale measurement and (3) zero error correction of measurement (positive or negative value) will give the required measurement of the length by using micrometer screw gauge. Taking data for measurement. (1) Sleeve scale measurement 2 .5 x 1 mm = 2.50 mm (2) Thimble scale measurement 48 x 0.01 mm = 0.48 mm (3) Zero error correction of measurement 3 x 0.01 mm = 0.03 mm -----------------------------------------Measurement of an object = 2.95 mm (or) 2.95 x 10-3m