Types of Vernier Caliper: Class 11 Physics Notes, Definition, Applications & Examples

Vernier Caliper is an instrument used to measure the distance between two opposite sides. With the help of Vernier Caliper, we can determine the height, length, and internal and external dimensions with precise accuracy. One-hundredth of a millimetre can be measured using vernier calipers.

Also Read: NCERT Solution PDF | Class 11 Physics NCERT Solutions

The smallest measurement that is done using the vernier scale is the least count. Vernier Caliper's least count is defined as the difference between one main scale division and one vernier scale. The mathematical equation is

VC = 1 MSD – 1 VSD

When n division on the vernier scale coincides with n-1 division on the main scale, the least count on the vernier scale is

$\begin{array}{l}LC=(1-\frac{n-1}{n})MSD\end{array}$

this results in the vernier least count which is 0.1 mm

Where, 

• LC is the least count
• VC is vernier constant
• VSD is an vernier scale division
• MSD is main scale division

The types of vernier calipers in physics are categorised into three types:

1. Type A
2. Type B
3. Type C

Let us discuss each type in detail:

Type A Vernier Caliper

The first type of vernier calipers has jaws attached on both sides of the instrument to have more precision and accuracy in the results. They are made up of steel and have a hardness of 650 HV. HV is the Vickers pyramid number.

Type B Vernier Caliper

The second type of vernier caliper has no separate jaws. It has only one jaw determining the measurements of internal and external. The measuring faces used in this type of vernier calipers are highly appropriate for the measurement of both internal and external.

There are a few things to note while taking internal measurements. The first is to make sure that the total width should be lower than the minimum internal measurement when they are joined together.

For example, let's assume that we want to measure the diameter of a 1.3 cm hole, and the width is 1 cm when they are joined together. The reading on the vernier caliper will show 0.3 cm. after that we will add the width and it will provide us with the end number on reading is 1.3 cm.

Type C Vernier Caliper

The second type of vernier caliper and the third type are quite similar to each other. The only addition in type C of vernier caliper is knife edges, just to make the results more accurate. It serves the purpose of marking the dimensions on the surface.

Types of vernier calipers for class 11

The chapter of ‘Units of measurement’ for class, holds a weightage of 7 marks in total which includes two objective type questions of 1 mark each, one very short question of 2 marks, and one short question of 3 marks.

Some of the main applications of vernier calipers are as follows:

• It can be used in science labs to measure different heights or dimensions.
• It is used in the educational sector.
• It is also used by the steel industry.
• It can be used in the aerospace industry.
• Lastly, In the medical world, it is used mainly for surgeries that require absolute accuracy and precision.

Vernier Caliper is used for precise measurement. The following measurement can be done using the vernier calliper.  

• Measuring the inner and external dimensions of an object 

• Depth of an object 

• Other applications such as science labs, medical and steel industries 

1) Illustrate a Vernier caliper with a positive zero reading.

Answer:

[Image courtesy: NCERT]

2) How many types of VC are there?

Answer: There are three types of VC - Type A, Type B, Type C.

3) State the minimum reading a Vernier Calliper can measure.

Answer: One-hundredth of a millimetre can be measured using Vernier calipers.

Q: What are some of the commercial industries where the use of Vernier caliper is common?

Q: How is the Vernier caliper used in the medical industry?

Q: State one application of Vernier caliper.

Q: Who invented Vernier Calliper and when?

Q: Why are Vernier calipers more popular than other measurement instruments?