Study Guides/Physics/Vernier Caliper Least Count
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Vernier Caliper Least Count Formula

The Vernier Caliper is a precision measuring instrument used in Physics lab practicals to measure length accurately up to 0.01 mm.

Question (Click to Flip)

What is the formula for the least count of a Vernier caliper?

Answer

Least Count = 1 MSD โˆ’ 1 VSD. For a standard Vernier caliper with 10 divisions, the least count is 0.1 mm (0.01 cm).

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Key Facts

Formula: LC = 1 MSD โˆ’ 1 VSD.

Standard LC: 0.1 mm (for 10-division vernier).

Total Reading: MSR + (VSD ร— LC).

Least Count Formula

Least Count (LC) = 1 MSD โˆ’ 1 VSD

Where:

  • MSD = Main Scale Division
  • VSD = Vernier Scale Division

Standard Value: For a typical Vernier caliper:

  • 1 MSD = 1 mm
  • 10 VSD = 9 MSD โ†’ 1 VSD = 0.9 mm
  • LC = 1 โˆ’ 0.9 = 0.1 mm

For a more precise caliper (50 divisions):

  • LC = 0.02 mm

Most commonly asked in exams: LC = 0.01 mm = 0.1 cm

Reading a Vernier Caliper

Total Reading = Main Scale Reading + (Vernier Scale Division ร— Least Count)

Example: MSR = 2.3 cm, VSD coinciding = 4, LC = 0.01 cm โ†’ Reading = 2.3 + (4 ร— 0.01) = 2.34 cm

Questions and Answers

What is the formula for the least count of a Vernier caliper?+

Least Count = 1 MSD โˆ’ 1 VSD. For a standard Vernier caliper with 10 divisions, the least count is 0.1 mm (0.01 cm).

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