

An Overview of Class 11 Physics To Measure Internal Diameter And Depth Of A Given Beaker Or Calorimeter Using Vernier Callipers Experiment
For precise measurement of the dimensions of the objects can not be measured with the conventional meter scale which has the precision of 0.1 cm. Therefore, vernier callipers are used, which have a precision of 0.01 cm. The calliper must first have its tips adjusted to fit across the points to be measured, after which it must be withdrawn and the space between its tips measured with a ruler.
In daily life, vernier callipers can be used to measure the separation between two opposed surfaces of an object, diameter of the beakers or iron rods, the thickness of the metal sheets, etc. It can be as simple as a compass with points that face inward or outward.
Table of Content
Aim
Theory
Observations
Results
Aim
To measure the internal diameter and depth of a beaker/calorimeter using vernier callipers and find its volume.
Apparatus Required
Vernier callipers
A cylinder, such as a beaker
Magnifying glass
Theory
An L-shaped measuring tool with a moving arm is called a manual or traditional vernier calliper. To position the object between or around the jaws, the movable arm is slid. Four jaws make up a vernier calliper; two higher jaws are used to measure internal distances and two lower jaws are used to measure internal distances of objects. Therefore, a vernier calliper’s essential components are the main arm, sliding arm, external jaws, internal jaws, depth measuring probe, and locking screw.
Vernier calliper least count,
\[ \text{Least Count (LC)} = \dfrac{\text{magnitude of the smallest division on the main scale}}{\text{the total count of divisions on the Vernier scale}} \]
Volume of the calorimeter,\[\]\[\begin{array}{l}{\rm{V = }}\dfrac{{\pi {d^2}h}}{4}\\\end{array}\]
=___________ cm
Here, d stands for the calorimeter's diameter and h for its depth.
Procedure

Vernier Calliper Measuring Depth of the Beaker

Vernier Calliper Measuring the Diameter of the Beaker
Find and note the vernier calliper's least count, commonly known as the vernier constant.
Bring the moveable jaw BD into contact with the fixed jaw AC to determine the zero error. Repeat and record the process three times. Record zero error as nil if there is no zero error.
Put jaws C and D inside the beaker and then slowly open them until they establish pressure-free contact with the inner wall of the beaker. Without exerting excessive pressure, tighten the screw.
Record the vernier scale's zero point on the primary scale. Record the main scale reading, often known as the main scale reading (M.S.R.), just before the vernier scale's zero point.
Let n be the vernier scale division number, which corresponds to the main scale division.
To measure the interior diameter perpendicularly, rotate the vernier calliper at 90° and repeat the steps 4 and 5.
Find the total reading and the zero correction to determine the depth.
The vernier calliper's primary scale's edge should be set on the outer edge. The beaker's depth and the strip's ability to move freely inside should be carefully considered.
The vernier calliper's screw should be tightened once the moving jaw makes perpendicular contact with the bottom of the beaker.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 for four separate locations around the beaker's rim.
Find the complete reading as well as the zero correction.
Take two different mean values for internal diameter and four distinct mean values for depth.
Use the proper formula to calculate the volume, and then record the result with the volume's related units.
Observation
Finding the vernier calliper with the fewest counts (1 M.S.D.) = 1mm
Total division of V.S.D(n) = 10
10 V.S.D = 9 M.S.D
Least count of vernier calliper (V.C.) = 1 M.S.D. – 1 V.S.D
= 1-0.9mm
= 0.1 mm
= 0.01 cm
Table: Readings of internal diameter(d)
Table: Readings of the depth (h)
Calculations
Corrected internal diameter’s mean,
\[d = \dfrac{{{d_1} + {d_2} + {d_3} + {d_4}}}{4}\]=______cm
Corrected depth’s Mean,
\[h = \dfrac{{{h_1} + {h_2} + {h_3} + {h_4}}}{4}\]=_______cm
Volume of the beaker
\[\begin{array}{l}{\rm{V = }}\dfrac{{\pi {d^2}h}}{4}\\\end{array}\]=___________cm
Results
The volume of the beaker is ______cm.
Precautions
To make the vernier scale slide easily over the main scale, use machine oil or grease.
To prevent thread damage, don't apply more force to the vernier screw.
Keep your eyes directly over the dividing mark to prevent parallax errors.
A correct set of significant numbers and units must be used when making observations.
Lab Manual Questions
1. What underlying principle drives the vernier scale?
Ans: The vernier scale is based on the idea that there should be either one less or one more vernier scale division than there are in main scale divisions.
\[{\rm{1V}}{\rm{.S}}{\rm{.D = }}\dfrac{{{\rm{1M}}{\rm{.S}}{\rm{.D}}}}{{{\rm{No}}{\rm{. of divisions on Vernier Scale}}}}\]
2. Define vernier constant.
Ans: The difference between the value of one main scale division and one vernier scale division on the vernier callipers is known as the vernier constant.
3. What is a measuring instrument's least count?
Ans: The smallest quantity that can be precisely measured is known as the least count of a measuring device.
4. Define zero error.
Ans: The distant reading on an instrument from zero is defined as zero error. It could be either positive or negative.
Viva Questions
1. What does "Vernier Callipers" mean in relation to sliding callipers?
Ans: It is because of Pierre Vernier, a French mathematician, was the person who first created it.
2. What are the different types of zero error?
Ans: There are two types of zero error, one is positive zero error and the other one is negative zero error.
3. How does the instrument achieve zero error?
Ans: It develops as a result of the instrument's long-term damage from use.
4. When is a zero error a positive or negative outcome?
Ans: If the vernier zero is to the right of the main scale zero, the zero error is positive and if the vernier zero is to the left of the main scale zero, the zero error is negative.
5. What other measurements can be taken with a vernier calliper?
Ans: The internal diameter of hollow cylinders or calorimeters is measured using the calliper's jaws. The small metallic strip that is fastened to the back of the main scale is used to gauge a vessel's depth.
6. Define zero correction? How is it implemented?
Ans: Zero correction is used to remove zero of the vernier calliper. It is mathematically added to the observed reading. It is measured by multiplying the least count of the vernier calliper with its zero error.
7. A spherometer with a screw gauge (0.01 mm), then what is the zero error?
Ans: If the main scale and vernier scale zeros do not match while the lower jaws are in contact, then the instrument’s readings are inaccurate. And this inaccuracy is known as zero error.
8. Define angular vernier.
Ans: For fractions of a degree of an angle, an angular vernier is used. It is present in instruments that measure angular displacements, such as sextants and spectrometers.
9. Can we use vernier callipers to gauge a piece of paper's thickness?
Ans: No, we can’t use vernier callipers to gauge a piece of paper's thickness
10. What is the least count possible on your laboratory vernier callipers?
Ans: The least count available in our laboratory vernier calliper is 0.01mm.
11. What advantage does the vernier scale have over the metre scale?
Ans: It improves measuring accuracy.
Practical Based Questions
1. Least count of standard metric vernier calliper.
0.001mm
0.01mm
0.02mm
0.03mm
Ans: C) 0.02mm
2. What is the spindle thread's metric micrometre pitch distance?
0.1mm
0.2mm
0.4mm
0.5mm
Ans: D) 0.5mm
3. Vernier callipers assists in the measurement of
Internal diameter
External diameter
Depth and thickness of nanotubes
All of the above
Ans: D) All of the above
4. What will the positive zero error be if the reading is 0.05 mm?
0mm
0.01mm
+0.05mm
-0.05mm
Ans: C) +0.05mm
5. What is the largest scale on the vernier calliper's body be called as?
Main Scale
Vernier Scale
Both A and B
None of the above
Ans: A) Main Scale
6. The difference between 1M.S.D and 1V.S.D is called
Resolution
Least count
Actual reading
None of the above
Ans: B) least count
7. The vernier calliper's least count is also referred to as
Vernier sample
Vernier count
Vernier constant
Vernier calibration
Ans: C) vernier constant
8. What would you use in a lab to measure a beaker's diameter?
Vernier callipers
Meter rule
Measuring tape
Micrometre screw gauge
Ans: A) Vernier Callipers
9. The main scale of a vernier calliper has 1 mm markings. The vernier scale includes 20 equal divisions that correspond to the 16 divisions of the main scale. The least count for these vernier callipers is:
0.2mm
0.02mm
0.01mm
0.1mm
Ans: A) 0.2mm
Conclusion
The vernier scale is based on the idea that there should be either one less or one more vernier scale divisions than there are in main scale divisions. A vernier calliper provides much greater accuracy than a standard metre rule. It can be used to determine an object's length as well as the interior diameter of a tube or cylinder. The diameter of circular objects is often measured using a vernier calliper.
FAQs on Class 11 Physics To Measure Internal Diameter And Depth Of A Given Beaker Or Calorimeter Using Vernier Callipers Experiment
1. What is the least count of a Vernier calliper and why is it a crucial parameter in this experiment?
The least count of a Vernier calliper is the smallest measurement it can accurately take. It is calculated as the difference between one main scale division (MSD) and one vernier scale division (VSD). For a standard Vernier calliper, it is typically 0.1 mm or 0.01 cm. This is crucial because it allows for measurements with much higher precision than a standard metre ruler, which is essential for obtaining an accurate value for the beaker's internal volume.
2. What is a zero error in a Vernier calliper, and how do you correct for it in your final calculations?
A zero error occurs when the zero mark of the main scale does not coincide with the zero mark of the vernier scale when the jaws are closed. It must be accounted for to get an accurate reading.
- Positive Zero Error: Occurs when the vernier scale's zero is to the right of the main scale's zero. The correction is negative (subtract the error from the observed reading).
- Negative Zero Error: Occurs when the vernier scale's zero is to the left of the main scale's zero. The correction is positive (add the error to the observed reading).
The corrected reading = Observed Reading - (± Zero Error with sign).
3. How are the different parts of a Vernier calliper used to measure the beaker's internal diameter and depth?
Each part has a specific function for this experiment:
- The upper jaws are used to measure the internal diameter of the beaker. They are inserted inside the beaker and opened until they touch the inner walls.
- The depth rod, a thin sliding strip at the end of the main scale, is used to measure the depth of the beaker. It is rested on the beaker's edge, and the rod is extended until it touches the bottom surface.
4. What are the most common sources of error that can affect the accuracy of this experiment?
For the CBSE Class 11 practical exam, being aware of potential errors is very important. Key sources include:
- Instrumental Error: An incorrect zero error or improperly calibrated scales on the calliper.
- Parallax Error: This personal error occurs if your eye is not positioned directly perpendicular to the scale reading, leading to an incorrect measurement.
- Excessive Pressure: Applying too much force on the jaws can slightly deform the beaker or the instrument, causing an inaccurate reading.
- Irregularity in Object Shape: The beaker may not be perfectly cylindrical, causing the internal diameter to vary at different points.
5. Why is it an important exam procedure to measure the internal diameter at different orientations inside the beaker?
This is a critical step to ensure accuracy because the opening of a beaker or calorimeter is often not a perfect circle. Due to manufacturing imperfections, it might be slightly elliptical. By measuring the diameter along different axes (e.g., rotating the calliper by 90 degrees for another reading) and then taking the average, you can account for these irregularities and obtain a more representative value of the true internal diameter. This is a key detail examiners look for.
6. Once you have measured the internal diameter and depth, how do you calculate the internal volume of the calorimeter?
After obtaining the corrected average internal diameter (d) and the average depth (h), you can calculate the internal volume (V) of the beaker or calorimeter by treating it as a perfect cylinder. The formula used is:
V = π * (d/2)² * h
Here, 'd/2' is the internal radius (r). Ensure all measurements (d and h) are in the same unit (e.g., cm) to get the volume in cm³.
7. What are three essential precautions you must take for getting reliable results in the Vernier calliper experiment?
To ensure your measurements are accurate and valid for evaluation, you must follow these precautions:
- Always check for and correct the zero error before taking any measurements.
- Avoid parallax error by keeping your eye directly above the marking on the scale.
- Do not apply excessive force while gripping the beaker with the jaws or pressing the depth rod, as this can lead to incorrect readings.











