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1.5.2 Vernier Caliper

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  1. Vernier caliper is a measuring tool used to measure length.
  2. It is more accurate than metre rule. It can measure length with an accuracy up to 0.01cm.
  3. Figure above shows the illustration of a vernier caliper. For SPM students, you need to remember the name aof the parts and the function of the 2 jaws and the stem.

Taking Reading from a Vernier Calipers:

  1. A vernier caliper has 2 scale, namely the main scale and the vernier scale.
  2. The main scale is read at the zero mark of the Vernier scale.
  3. The vernier scale is read at the point where it's scale coincide with the main scale.
  4. Reading of Vernier caliper = Reading of main scale + reading of vernier scale.
  5. The vernier scale is 9mm long, divided into 10 divisions.

Example:



Reading of main scale = 2.2cm
Reading of vernier scale = 0.07cm
Reading of the vernier caliper = 2.27cm

Zero Error of Vernier Caliper

  1. The zero error is determined by tightening the jaws of the vernier calipers.
  2. Zero error must be eliminated from the reading.
Actual Reading = Reading of Vernier Caliper - Zero Error


Example:
Images below show the reading of 3 vernier calipers when their jaws are tightly closed. Find the zero error of each caliper.
a.


Zero error = 0.02 cm

b.


Zero error = -0.06cm

c.


Zero error = 0 cm (No zero error)