A vernier callipers has a least count of 0.01 cm (10 vernier divisions)…

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Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.

A vernier callipers has a least count of $0.01\ \text{cm}$ ( $10$ vernier divisions). With the jaws closed, the vernier zero is to the left of the main zero, and the $7$ th vernier line coincides. A cylinder is then measured: the main scale reads $3.2\ \text{cm}$ and the $4$ th vernier line coincides. What is the cylinder's diameter?

Need a reminder? The key ideaShow

If $n$ vernier divisions fill $n - 1$ main scale divisions, the least count is one main division divided by $n$ .

\displaystyle \text{reading} = \text{main scale reading} + (\text{coinciding vernier line}) \times \text{least count}

Correct reading $=$ observed reading $-$ zero error. With the jaws closed, a vernier zero to the right of the main zero is a positive zero error; to the left, a negative one.

The worked solution

Have you tried it?

Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.

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