Question

Vernier scale. The figure below shows a scale found on instruments such as a micrometer caliper used for accurately measuring dimensions of objects. The lower scale slides along the upper scale and is used to interpolate between the markings on the upper scale. In (a), the reading (at the left-hand 0 of the lower scale) is between 1.4and 1.5on the upper scale. To find the exact reading, observe which mark on the lower scale is aligned with a mark on the upper scale. Because theon the lower scale is aligned with the upper scale, the correct reading is 1.46. Write the correct readings in (b) and (c) and indicate how many significant figures are in each reading.

Short answer

A. The reading is 1.46. There are three important figures. (1,4,6).

B. The lower scale's left hand 0 is somewhere between 1.1 and 1.2. The 8 on the lower scale now corresponds to a mark on the higher scale. As a result, the correct answer is 1.18. There are also (1,1,8) significant .

C. The lower scale's 0 is somewhere between 0.7 and 0.8. The 1 on the lower scale now corresponds to a mark on the higher scale. As a result, the proper reading is 0.71. There are also 2 important figures (7,1).

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Vernier scale.

A vernier scale, named after Pierre Vernier, is a visual aid that uses mechanical interpolation to take an accurate measurement reading between two graduation lines on a linear scale, therefore enhancing resolution and minimising measurement uncertainty by reducing human estimating error.

Determine the correct reading and significant figures.

A. The reading is 1.46.There are three important figures. (1,4,6).

B. The lower scale's left hand 0 is somewhere between 1.1 and 1.2. The 8 on the lower scale now corresponds to a mark on the higher scale. As a result, the correct answer is 1.18. There are also (1,1,8) significant .

C. The lower scale's 0 is somewhere between 0.7 and 0.8. The 1 on the lower scale now corresponds to a mark on the higher scale. As a result, the proper reading is 0.71. There are also 2 important figures (7,1).