Calipers, Micrometers & Vernier Scales (OCR A Level Physics)

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Calipers, Micrometers & Vernier Scales

Micrometer Screw Gauge

  • A micrometer, or a micrometer screw gauge, is a tool used for measuring small widths, thicknesses or diameters
    • For example, the diameter of a copper wire

  • It has a resolution of 0.01 mm
  • The micrometer is made up of two scales:
    • The main scale - this is on the sleeve (sometimes called the barrel)
    • The thimble scale - this is a rotating scale on the thimble

Micrometer labelled, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Components of a micrometer

  • The spindle and anvil are clamped around the object being measured by rotating the ratchet
    • This should be tight enough so the object does not fall out but not so tight that is deformed
    • Never tighten the spindle using the barrel, only using the ratchet. This will reduce the chances of overtightening and zero errors

  • The value measured from the micrometer is read where the thimble scale aligns with the main scale
    • This should always be recorded to 2 decimal places (eg. 1.40 mm not just 1.4 mm)

Micrometer Screw Gauge, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

The micrometer reading is read when the thimble scale aligns with the main scale

Vernier Calipers

  • Vernier calipers are another distance measuring tool that uses a sliding vernier scale
    • They can also be used to measure diameters and thicknesses, just like the micrometer
    • However, they can also measure the length of small objects such as a screw or the depth of a hole

  • Vernier calipers generally have a resolution of 0.1 mm, however, some are as small as 0.02 mm - 0.05 mm
  • The calipers are made up of two scales:
    • The main scale
    • The vernier scale

  • The two upper or lower jaws are clamped around the object
    • The sliding vernier scale will follow this and can be held in place using the locking screw

Vernier caliper labelled, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Components of a vernier caliper

  • The value read from the caliper when the vernier scale aligns with the main scale
    • This should always be recorded to at least 1 decimal place (eg. 12.1 mm not just 12 mm)

Vernier Calipers, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

The vernier caliper reading is read when the vernier scale aligns with the main scale

 

  • In general, the micrometer has a smaller measuring range than a vernier caliper
  • However, the micrometer has a better accuracy (due to better resolution)
  • The vernier caliper is quicker to use, whilst the micrometer involves rotating the thimble
    • Therefore, to take many measurements, a caliper would be easier to use

Examiner Tip

Make sure you're comfortable with reading from a micrometer or vernier caliper scale. This will be expected not just in your practical endorsement, but also in written practical questions.

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Ashika

Author: Ashika

Expertise: Physics Project Lead

Ashika graduated with a first-class Physics degree from Manchester University and, having worked as a software engineer, focused on Physics education, creating engaging content to help students across all levels. Now an experienced GCSE and A Level Physics and Maths tutor, Ashika helps to grow and improve our Physics resources.