EXPERIMENT 01

Measurements using Vernier Caliper

Objectives:
In this lab, we are going to use Vernier caliper to measure radius and volume of
sphere.
Aim:
Calculate the radius and volume of small and large sphere by measuring its diameter
with a Vernier caliper.
Apparatus:
Vernier caliper, spherical small bob and spherical large bob
Figure:

Procedure:
1. Keep the jaws of the Vernier caliper closed. Make sure that the zero of the main
scale perfectly coincides with the zero of the Vernier scale. If it doesn’t coincide
account for the zero error for all observations.
2. Using a magnifying glass, look for the division of the main scale that coincides with
the division of the Vernier scale. Note down the number of the division that
coincides with each other. To avoid parallax error, position your eye directly over the
division mark.
3. Release the movable jaw by gently loosening the screw. Slide it enough to hold the
sphere or the cylindrical body between the jaws without any undue pressure. Align it
perfectly perpendicular to the diameter of the body. Gently tighten the screw in
order to clamp the instrument in this position to the body.
4. Note down the position of the zero of the Vernier scale against the zero of the main
scale. Normally, it will not perfectly coincide with any of the divisions on the main
scale. Record the main scale division to the left of the zero marks of the Vernier
scale. Note the number of lines before zero of VS which is main scale reading M.S.R.

5. Look for the exact coincidence of the Vernier scale division with that of the main
scale division in the Vernier window from the left end to the right. Note down the
number N.
 6. Multiply the obtained N by the least count of the instrument Make sure to convert
the product into proper units(mm) for valid addition. This is Vernier scale reading
V.S.R. Add M.S.R and V.S.R to get the diameter.
7. Repeat (3 times for large and small sphere) steps 3-7 to get the positions of the body
at different positions on its curved surface. Make sure to take three sets of reading in
each case.
8. Record the observations in a tabular column with proper reading.
9. Find the arithmetic mean of the corrected readings of the diameter of the body. Do
zero correction if any.
10. Divide the diameter by 2 to get the radius.

Observations:

 Least Count of Vernier Calipers

 Minimum main scale division = 1 mm
 Number of Vernier scale division N = 20

Least Count = Minimum division on MS / No. of divisions on VS Vernier constant/ Least

count (LC) = 1mm/20 = 0.05 mm

S M.S.R No. of V.S.R = n * Least Total Diameter= Average Diameter =

R div (n) Count M.S.R * V.S.R D1+D2+D3/3

1 1.9 5 5*0.05 = 0.25 1.9*0.25 = 0.475

0.47+1.4+0.15+0.9+0.48
2 2.0 14 14*0.05 = 0.7 2.0*0.7 = 1.4 5
3 1.5 2 2*0.05 = 0.1 1.5*0.1 = 0.15
4 1.2 15 15*0.05 = 0.75 1.2*0.75 = 0.9
5 1.6 6 6*0.05 = 0.3 1.6*0.3 = 0.48

Mean Observed Diameter = 0.681mm

Corrected Diameter(D) = Mean Observed Diameter – Zero Error (if any) Radius (R)=Diameter
(D)/2

Result:
The radius of the given sphere/cylinder is 0.681mm.
 EXPERIMENT 02
Measurements using Screw gauge
Objectives
In this lab, we are going to use screw gauge to measure and diameter and radius of
sphere.
Aim:
Calculate the diameter and radius of a solid mass using screw gauge.
Apparatus:
Screw gauge, Large mass, Small mass.
Figure:

Procedure:

1. First calculate the least count. The least count is the smallest measurement the
screw gauge can detect. It is calculated by formula:

2. Zero error occurs if the screw gauge does not read zero when its jaws are fully
closed. To find this, close the jaws completely and observe where the circular scale
aligns with the main scale

3. Open the jaws just enough to fit the solid sphere between them. Adjust the screw
gauge until the sphere is held securely. Note the main scale reading just before the
zero of the circular scale.

4. Find the number of observations (n).

5. Multiply the least count (L.C) by the observed divisions on the circular scale to find
the circular reading (C.S.R). (C.S. R=n x L.C).

6. Calculate the total diameter and the zero error.

7. Add all the diameter readings obtained from multiple observations and divide the
sum by the number of observations (n) to find the average diameter.
 8. Divide the final average diameter by 2 to calculate the radius of the solid sphere.

In case of zero error

+ve = + (coin sighting line * L.C)

-ve = - ((100-coin sighting line) * L.C)

SR M.S.R No. of C.S.R = n * Total Diameter= Average Diameter =

obs (n) Least Count M.S.R * C.S.R D1+D2+D3/3
1 3 15 15*0.02 = 0.3 3*0.3 = 0.9 mm
0.9+2.7+ 0.46+0.84+ 6.16
2 4 34 34*0.02 = 0.68 4*0.68 = 2.7 mm
5
3 6 23 23*0.02 = 0.46 6*0.46 = 0.46 mm
4 7 6 6*0.02 = 0.12 7*0.12 = 0.84 mm Average = 2.672
5 11 28 28*0.02 = 0.56 11*0.56 = 6.16 mm

2.672
R= 2

R = 1.336 mm
Result:
The radius of the given sphere/cylinder is 1.336mm.
 EXPERIMENT 03
Finding Time Period of Simple Pendulum
Objectives:
In this lab, we are going to find Time period of the simple pendulum.
Aim:
Find the time period of the simple pendulum.
Apparatus:
Thread, Bob, Stand, Stopwatch.
Figure:

Procedure:

1. Measure the length of the pendulum's thread or string from the fixed point at the
center of the rod to the center of mass of the pendulum bob.

2. Bring the pendulum to rest in its natural position where it hangs vertically. This
ensures the pendulum is in equilibrium and ready for accurate measurement of
oscillations.

3. Displace the pendulum slightly and release it to allow it to oscillate freely. Use a
stopwatch to measure the total time taken for 5 complete oscillations (back and
forth movements).

4. Divide the total time measured for the 5 oscillations by 5 to calculate the average
time period for one complete oscillation.

Tavg =
∑ of all Time Periods
Total number of Time Periods

5. Calculate the actual time.

 Tact =2π
√
6. Calculate the percentage of error.
l
g

T avg −T act
%error = T act
* 100

SR No. of Time of Frequency Time period

oscillations(n) oscillations n 1
F= t F

1 5 5.35 sec 5/5.35 = 0.93 Hz 1/0.93 = 1.07 sec

2 5 5.54 sec 5/5.54 = 0.9 Hz 1/0.9 = 1.11 sec

3 5 5.73 sec 5/5.73 = 0.87 Hz 1/0.87 = 1.14 sec

Average time:

1.07+1.11+1.14
Tavg = 3
Tavg = 1.10 sec

Actual time:

Tact = 2π
√ l
g
Tact = 2(3.14)
Tact
√
= 1.06 sec
0.28
9.8

%Error:

Tavg−Tact
%error = Tact * 100
1.11−1.06
%error = 1.06 * 100
%error = 4.73%
Result:
The %error is 4.73%.
 EXPERIMENT 04
Find spring constant using Hook’s Law
Objectives:
In this lab, we are going to find spring constant using Hook’s Law and draw its Graph.
Aim:
Find spring constant using Hook’s Law.
Apparatus:
Thread, Bob, Stand, Stopwatch.
Figure:

Procedure:

1. Measure and note the initial length of the spring (unstretched length) when no mass
is attached.

2. Attach a known mass to the spring and allow it to stretch under the weight of the
mass. Measure the new length of the spring after it has stretched.

3. Calculate the force acting on the spring using the formula:

a. m is the mass attached to the spring

b. g is the acceleration due to gravity.

4. Perform multiple measurements by attaching different masses to the spring and

recording the extension each time until you find spring constant.

5. Use Hooke's Law to calculate the spring constant.

Hook’s Law:
 Fαx => F = kx
F
k= x k=Spring Constant

SR Mass Force Length

(m) (F) (n)
1 0 0 0
2 10g 0.01 0.1
3 20g 0.1 0.6
4 30g 0.2 1.2
5 40g 0.3 1.8

Graph
0.35

0.3

0.25

0.2

0.15

0.1

0.05

0
0 10 20 30 40
∆F
k= ∆x

F2 − F1
k= x2 − x1

0.3 −0.01
k= 1.8 −0.1

k = 0.17Nm
Result:
The spring constant of the given values is 0.17Nm.

EXPERIMENT 05
Find the coefficient of static friction
Objectives:

In this lab, we are going to find coefficient of static friction using inclined plane.
Aim:
Find the coefficient of static friction using inclined plane.
Apparatus:
Wooden box, inclined plane, pulley and mass.
Figure:

Procedure:

1. Measure the horizontal distance (x) and the vertical height (y) of the inclined plane.
These measurements are necessary to calculate the angle of inclination (θ).

2. Place the wooden box on the surface of the inclined plane. Ensure the box is
positioned securely and ready for measurement.

3. Tie a mass to the wooden box using a thread and allow the mass to apply force to the
box. This setup will help analyze the forces acting on the box.

4. Find the angle.

−1 y
θ = tan ( x ¿ ) ¿
5. Find the coefficient of friction.
µs = tan(θ)
 SR Material x y y µs = tan(θ)
θ= tan
−1
( ¿) ¿
x

1 Wood 0.0195 0.025 −1 0.025 tan (52.05)

tan ( ¿ )¿
0.0195 µs = 1.28
θ = 52.05
2 Wood 0.0195 0.32 −1 0 , 32 tan (86.5)
tan ( ¿ )¿
0.0195 µs = 16.34
θ = 86.5
3 Wood 0.0195 0.45 −1 0.45 tan (1.53)
tan ( ¿ )¿
0.0195 µs = 24.49
θ = 1.53
4 Wood 0.0195 0.2 −1 0.2 tan (1.47)
tan ( ¿ )¿
0.0195 µs = 9.89
θ = 1.47
5 Wood 0.0195 0.235 −1 0.235 tan (1.489)
tan ( ¿ )¿
0.0195 µs =12.19
θ = 1.489
6 Wood 0.0195 0.298 −1 0.298 tan (1.5)
tan ( ¿ )¿
0.0195 µs = 14.1
θ = 1.5
7 Wood 0.0195 0.23 −1 0.23 tan (1.49)
tan ( ¿ )¿
0.0195 µs = 12.3
θ = 1.49

1.28+16.34+24.49+ 9.89+12.19+14.1+12.3
Avg = 7

Avg = 12.94

Result:
The average is 12.94.

EXPERIMENT 06
Find the charge on a piece of paper
Objectives:
 In this lab, we are going to find charge on a piece of paper induced by electrostatic
induction.
Aim:
Find the charge on a piece of paper.
Apparatus:
Piece of paper, rubber rod and cloth.
Figure:

Procedure:

1. Rub the plastic or rubber rod on a cloth. Rubbing the rod on the cloth transfers
electrons between the two materials due to friction, causing the rod to become
negatively charged.

2. Hold the negatively charged rod close to small pieces of paper without making
contact. The rod's electric field will influence the charges in the paper through a
process called electrostatic induction.

3. The paper pieces will move toward the negatively charged rod because opposite
charges attract. Observe the movement of papers due to attraction.

Fg = mg

(q 1)(q1 )
Fe = k r
2

Fg = Fe
 (q 1)(q2 )
mg = k r
2

2
2 mgr
q = k

√
√ q2 = mgr 2
k

q=
√ mgr 2
k

q=
√ (0.0005)(9.8)(0.1)2
8.9 ∗10 9

q = 7.41 * 10− 8 C
Result:
The total charge is q = 7.41 * 10− 8 C.

EXPERIMENT 07
Find coefficient of kinetic friction
Objectives:
In this lab, we are going to find coefficient of kinetic friction using inclined plane.
Aim:
To find the coefficient of kinetic friction.
Apparatus:
Inclined plane, wooden box, scale.
Figure:

Procedure:

1. Set the inclined plane at a specific angle so the box can slide down when released.

2. Position the wooden box at the top of the inclined plane, ensuring it is ready to slide
when released.

3. Let the box slide freely down the inclined plane. Use a stopwatch to measure the
time (t) it takes for the box to travel a known distance (d)

4. Repeat the process several times for accuracy. Use the formula to calculate
acceleration (a):

2d
a= t
2

Here, d is the distance the box travels, and t is the time measured.

5. Use the formula to calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction.

g sin θ − a
µ=
g cos θ

SR Distance Time Angle Acceleration µ=

 g sin θ − a
2d g cos θ
a= t
2

1 0.26m 0.35s 30° 4.24 0.077

2 0.26m 0.19s 40° 14.40 -1.07

3 0.26m 0.16s 45° 8.32 -0.2

4 0.26m 0.20s 50° 20.3 -2.03

5 0.26m 0.25s 60° 13 -9.02

0.077 −1.07 − 0.2− 2.03− 9.02

Avg =
5

Avg = -2.44

Result:
The total average of given data is -2.44.