Physics 3rd Form

Instruments

Common laboratory instruments include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Rulers Vernier Callipers Micrometer Screw Gauge Scales Newton Meter Measuring Cylinder Burettes and Beakers Clocks and Stop watches Thermometers Ruler

The metric ruler measures length in millimetres and centimetres. The most precise reading you can get from a ruler is to the nearest millimetre. For a more precise reading, other instruments are needed. Vernier Caliper

The Vernier calliper consists of a main scale and a Vernier scale. A vernier is a short auxiliary (secondary) scale which is placed beside the main scale on a measuring instrument. The Vernier enables subdivisions of the main scale to be read accurately. The vernier scale represents subdivisions of the smallest increment on the main scale. For a Vernier calliper with a precision of 0.01mm, the main scale gives reading to 0.1mm and the Vernier scale give readings to 0.01mm.

Scales of a Vernier Calliper 1

Physics 3rd Form

Instruments

The Vernier calliper is used to measure depth, external diameter and internal diameter. In addition it can take precise measurements to 0.01mm of an object of length within its range. To measure depth, the screw clamp is released and the stem lowered into the part being measured. The base of the calliper is used as reference. The vernier calliper has jaws specifically for measuring internal and external diameters or lengths. These are shown in the figure labelled How to Read the Vernier Calliper below.

Figure b. Measuring internal diameter 1

Figure c. Measuring external diameter 1

Figure a. measuring the depth 1

How to read a Vernier Calliper

How to Read the Vernier Calliper

Step 1. Read the main scale to the value just left of the zero on the Vernier scale, note this value. In the example above, it is 2.1. Step 2. From the zero mark on the Vernier scale move right until you find a mark that line up with a mark on the main scale. In the example above this is 0.05. Step 3. Add these two values to get the measurement. 2.1cm + 0.05cm = 2.15cm

Physics 3rd Form

Instruments
Micrometer Screw Gauge

The Micrometer screw gauge is another very precise instrument for measuring lengths. Like the vernier calliper is has a main scale and a vernier scale. However, the vernier scale on the micrometer screw gauge rotates. Using the micrometer screw gauge The Thimble is used is rotated to move the spindle and lock the object to be measured between the anvil and the spindle. Once the spindle stops, the ratchet knob is rotated until it clicks. After the click, the reading is taken. Reading the micrometer screw gauge

Step 1. After locking the micrometer to the object, read the main scale. The example above shows 4.5mm.

Physics 3rd Form

Instruments

Step 2. On the circular vernier scale look at the mark that lines up with the horizontal line on the main scale. Note this reading. In the example above 0.12mm Step 3. Add both values to the final reading, 4.5mm + 0.12mm = 4.62mm Scales Scales are used to measure the mass of on object of substance. Metric scales give the mass in grams or kilograms. Common scales used in the lab are: The triple beam balance scale, the double pan beam balance scale and the top pan balance scale (digital).

Triple Beam Balance Scale Double Pan Beam Balance Scale Top Pan Balance

The triple beam balance scale has three beams, each with a difference weight on it. To measure the mass of an object; 1. First place it on the pan 2. Adjust the largest weight until the balance pointer passes the zero point. Then move it back one notch 3. Adjust the second weight until the pointer has passed the zero point, then move it back one notch 4. Adjust the third weight until the zero point is balanced. 5. Combine all readings to get the mass of the object. To use the double pan beam balance; 1. Place a reference weight on the left pan and the object to be weighed on the right. 2. Move the weight to the right on the scale until both pans are balanced. 3. Combine the mass of the reference weight to the reading on the reading on the scale for the final mass of the object. The top pan balance is the easiest of all three. Simple zero the scale then place the object to be weighed on the scale. Note the reading on the display.

Physics 3rd Form

Instruments
Newton Meter

The Newton meter or spring balance is used to measure force. Its scale is in Newton's (N) but sometime provide a reading in kilograms. To use the newton meter simply hang an object from its base or incorporate it in an experimental set so that the force to be measured acts through it. Burettes

Tube

The burette is use to precisely add a volume of liquid to a container or another liquid or solution. The liquid is placed in the tube with the tap in the off position. When the user is ready to dispense the liquid the tap is open. This can be done so that only a single drop is released within a time interval. The amount of liquid that has been released from the burette is measured using the graduation marks on the tube. After the desired amount has been dispensed the tap is closed. The burette is used with a beaker or conical flask; this is shown in the next section.

Tap

Jet

Physics 3rd Form

Instruments
Beakers and Measuring Cylinders

Beaker

Measuring Cylinders

Beakers and measuring cylinders are used to measure the volume of a liquid. The difference between the beaker and the measuring cylinder is that the beaker is often used to mix liquid. The measuring cylinders only use is to measure the volume of a liquid. The beaker may also be used with a burette as shown in the diagram below. In this setup the burette is used to dispense a specific volume of a liquid into conical flask.

Physics 3rd Form

Instruments
Clocks and Stop Watches

Clocks and stop watches are used to measure time. In physics the time taken for a phenomenon to complete or the rate of change of a quantity is measured using seconds. Both analogue and digital clocks and stop watches are used. The analogue devices usually measures to a precision of 1 second, while the digital devices can measure to a precision of a hundredth of a second. That is, 1 second divided by 100, or even to a millisecond (1/1000 of a second).

Analogue Stop Watch

Digital Stop Watch

Thermometers

Thermometers are used to measure temperature. The unit of measurement can be centigrade (celsius), fahrenheit or kelvin. The thermometer consist of a bulb for storing mercury or alcohol. The bulb is placed on or in the object to be measured. Once the mercury or alcohol has reached a stable state (stop moving) the reading is taken. The diagrams to the left shows a comparison of the centigrade and fahrenheit scales. At 0C the fahrenheit scale reads 32F. At 100C the Fahrenheit scale reads 212C. These represents freezing and boiling point respectively.