Basic for Physics lab.

SIMT Engineering College.

[Link]-Amin.
Lecturer in Physics.
Department of EEE,CE,ME,CSE.
 Instructions for Laboratory

● The objective of the laboratory is learning. The experiments are designed to illustrate phenomena in
different areas of Physics and to expose you to measuring instruments. Conduct the experiments with
interest and an attitude of learning.

● You need to come well prepared for the experiment.

● Work quietly and carefully (the whole purpose of experimentation is to make reliable
measurements!) and equally share the work with your partners.

● Be honest in recording and representing your data. Never make up readings or doctor them to get a
better fit for a graph. If a particular reading appears wrong repeat the measurement carefully. In any
event all the data recorded in the tables have to be faithfully displayed on the graph.

● All presentations of data, tables and graphs calculations should be neatly and carefully done.

● Bring necessary graph papers for each of experiment. Learn to optimize on usage of graph papers.

● Graphs should be neatly drawn with pencil. Always label graphs and the axes and display units.

● If you finish early, spend the remaining time to complete the calculations and drawing graphs. Come
equipped with calculator, scales, pencils etc.

● Handle instruments with care. Report any breakage to the Instructor. Return all the equipment
you have signed out for the purpose of your experiment.
 Screw Gauge

Aim:

To determine the thickness of a glass plate

Apparatus required:

Screw gauge and glass plate

Description:

It is based upon the principle of a screw. It consists of a U-shaped metal frame. One end of which carries
a fixed stud A whereas the other end B is attached to a cylindrical tube as shown in Fig. 1. A scale
graduated in millimetres is marked on the cylindrical tube along its length. It is called Pitch scale.

Fig.1: Screw Gauge

The screw carries a head H which has a beveled edge. The edge is divided into 100 equal divisions. It is
called the Head scale H.S. When the head is rotated, the head scale moves on the pitch scale.

Procedure:

1. To find the least count (LC) of the screw gauge

Least count of a screw gauge is the distance through which the screw tip moves when the screw is rotated
through one division on the head scale.
To find the pitch, the head or the screw is given say 1 rotations and the distance moved by the head scale
on the pitch scale is noted. Then by using the above formula, the least count of the screw gauge is
calculated.
Pitch = 0.5 mm

Least Count = 0.5 mm / 50 = 0.01 mm

L.C. = 0.001 cm

The screw head is rotated until the two plane faces A and B are just in contact.

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2. To find the zero correction (ZC)

i) Nil error

If the zero of the head scale coincides with the zero of the pitch scale and also lies on the base line (B.L.),
the instrument has no zero error and hence there is no zero correction (See Fig.

ii) Positive zero error

If the zero of the head scale lies below the base line (B.L) of the pitch scale then the zero error is positive
and zero correction is negative. The division on the head scale, which coincides with the base line of pitch
scale, is noted. The division multiplied by the least count gives the value of the positive zero error. This error
is to be subtracted from the observed reading i.e. the zero correction is negative (See Fig.3).

Fig.3: Positive Zero Error

Example:

If 5th division of the head scale coincides with the baseline of the pitch scale then Zero error = +5 divisions
Zero correction = (Z.E x LC) = - (5 x 0.01) = - 0.05 mm.
 iii) Negative zero error

If the zero of head scale lies above the base line (B. L.) of the pitch scale, then the zero error is negative and
zero correction is positive. The division on the head scale which coincides on the base line of pitch scale is
noted. This value is subtracted from the total head scale divisions. This division multiplied by the least count
gives the value of the negative error. This error is to be added to the observed reading i.e. zero correction is
positive (See Fig. 4).

Fig. 4: Negative Zero Error

Example:

If the 95th division of the head scale coincides with the base line of the pitch scale then,
Zero error = -5 divisions Zero correction
Zero correction = (Z.E x LC) = + (5 x 0.01) = + 0.05 mm.

3. To find the thickness of the glass plate

The glass plate is gently gripped between the faces A and B. The pitch scale reading and the head
scale coincidence are noted. The readings are tabulated.

Fig. 5: Screw Gauge Readings

Pitch Scale Reading (P.S.R)

Number of pitch scale division just in front of the head scale fully completed is noted (see Fig. 5). It
is measured in millimeter.
 Head Scale Coincidence (H.S.C)
Coincidence of head scale division on the base line of the pitch scale is also noted.

Example:
Screw gauge readings: (see Fig. 5)
Zero error = -3 divisions
L.C. = 0.01 mm,
Zero correction (Z.C.) = +0.03 mm = +0.003 cm

No. LSR CSD LC CSR Total Corrected

of x N (cm) y = N × LC Reading = Reading =
obs. (cm) (cm) x+y T. R. ± Z.C.
cm cm
1
2
3
4
5

Where, LSR: Linear Scale Reading, CSD: Vernier Scale Division, LC: Least Count and CSR: Circular
Scale Reading.

Average thickness of the glass plate =

 ❖ Slide Calipers

Aim:

To measure the dimensions of the given object

Apparatus:

Vernier Calipers and Wooden block

Description:

The vernier calipers consist of a long rigid rectangular steel strip called the main scale (M.S) with a jaw
(A) fixed at one end at right angles to its length as shown in Fig.l. The main scale is graduated both in
centimeters and inches. The second jaw (B) carrying a vernier scale and capable of moving along the
main scale can be fixed to any position by means of a screw cap S. The vernier scale is divided into 10
divisions, which is equivalent to 9 main scale divisions (M.S.D). So the value of 1 vernier scale division
is equal to 9/10 M.S.D. The value of 1 M.S.D. is 1 mm

Fig.1: Vernier Scale

Procedure:

1. To find the Vernier Constant (V.C.) of the Slide Calipers (see Fig. 2)

It is the smallest length that can be measured accurately by the vernier calipers and is measured as the
difference between one main scale division and one vernier scale division.
 Fig. 2: Vernier Scale and Main Scale

Vernier Constant (V.C.) = 1 M.S.D. — 1 V.S.D.

Value of 1 M.S.D = 1 mm = 0.1 cm

No of divisions on the vernier scale = 20 divisions.

Here, 20 Vernier Scale Division = 39 Main Scale Division

1 Vernier Scale Division= 39/20 Main Scale Division = 39/20 x 1 mm = 39/20 mm

V.C. = 2 M.S.D — 1 V.S.D

= 2 mm - 39/20 mm

= 0.05 mm
= 0.005 cm
2. To find the Zero Correction (ZC)

Before taking the readings with the vernier calipers, we must note the zero error of the vernier calipers. When
the two jaws of the vernier calipers are pressed together, if the zero of the vernier scale coincides with the
zero of the main scale the instrument has no error, otherwise there is a zero error. The zero error is positive
if the vernier zero is after the main scale zero. The zero error is negative when the vernier zero is before the
main scale zero. Ordinarily, the zero error is negligible in the case of vernier calipers and so zero error can
be considered to be nil.
3. To find the length of the given object

The given object is firmly gripped between the jaws, taking care not to press it too hard. The main scale
reading and the vernier coincidence are noted. The main scale reading is the reading on the main scale that
is just before the vernier zero. The vernier scale coincidence is found by noting the vernier division that
coincides with any one of the main scale. Then the vernier scale reading is found by multiplying the vernier
coincidence with the least count. The observations are repeated for various positions of the object.
 Fig. 3: Slider Caliper’s readings
Example:

Slider Calipers Readings: (See Fig. 3)

V. C. = 0.01cm

No. LS VSD VC VSR Total = T.R. ±

of R N (cm) y = N × VC Reading = Z.C.
obs. x (cm) x+y cm
(c cm
m)
1
2
3
4
5

Where, LSR: Linear Scale Reading, VSD: Vernier Scale Division, VC: Vernier Constant and VSR:
Vernier Scale Reading.

Average length of the given object =

 Spectrometer

Aim:

To learn about different parts of a spectrometer and to take readings.

Apparatus required:

Spectrometer, reading lens and spirit level

Description:

i. It has the following three main parts (see Fig.1).

1. The collimator, 2. Telescope, 3. The prism table

A circular graduated disc (Main scale) is attached to the telescope and hence rotates with it. The
telescope can be fixed at any desired position by a clamping screw while finer adjustments can be
made with a tangential screw.

Fig: Spectrometer with its component

Fig. 1: Spectrometer

1. The collimator: Its purpose is to produce a parallel beam of light. It consists of a lens and slit. The
slit faces the source of light. The distance between the slit and the lens can be adjusted by a screw
fixed to the collimator tube C to obtain parallel beam of rays. The slit consists of two sharp edges.
One of the edges is fixed while the other can be moved parallel to it by working the screw provided
at its side. The collimator cannot be rotated.
2. The telescope: The telescope T consists of an objective 0 at one end and an eyepiece fixed with the
cross wires on the other end. The telescope is fixed to the circular scale graduated in degrees. The

circular scale is in between the collimator and the telescope. The telescope can be turned with the scale
 about a vertical axis passing through the center of the spectrometer. The eyepiece of the telescope is
provided with cross wires. The telescope can be fixed in any position by a main screw. Fine adjustment
can be made by a fine adjustment screw which is tangential to the main screw. The focusing of the
telescope is done by a screw to the side of the telescope.
3. The prism table: This consists of upper plate and a lower plate separated by three springs. Three
screws pass through these springs. There are lines engraved in the upper plate so as to mount the prism
in proper position. The prism table P can be mounted in any position by means of a screw at its
bottom. The prism table can be rotated about the same vertical axis as the telescope.

ii. The initial adjustments:

1. Telescope adjustment: The telescope is turned towards a distant object and its focusing screw is
adjusted till the image of the object is clearly seen. In this position, the telescope is capable of
receiving parallel rays.

2. Collimator adjustment: The slit is illuminated with sodium vapour lamp or Hg vapour lamp.
The telescope is turned so that the telescope and the collimator are in a line. In this position one can
see the image of the slit through the telescope. The clear image of the slit is obtained by adjusting the
collimator screw. The slit must be adjusted to be narrow and vertical.

3. Leveling of the prism table: This is done with a spirit level. The spirit level is kept on the prism
table and the three leveling screws of the prism table are adjusted till the air bubble comes to
the center.

Procedure:

1. To find the least count of the spectrometer:

The main scale is a circular scale graduated in degrees. The value of one MSD is half degree. Each
Vernier scale consists of 30 divisions (Fig. 2).
29 MSD are equal to 30 VSD (Fig.2).
L.C = 1MSD- 1VSD
1 MSD = 0.5° = 30' (10 = 60')
30 VSD = 29 MSD
1VSD = 29/30 MSD
= (29/30) x 30' =30'
LC=30'-29'=1'

Figure 2. Circular Scale of the Spectrometer.

 2. To read a reading

Main scale reading (MSR) and vernier scale reading (VSR) are noted as explained in the vernier calipers
when the telescope and the disc (prism table) are fixed at the required position by the main or fine adjustment
screw. The two vernier scales VA and VB are fixed to the disc, which can be rotated about the same
vertical axis. A main screw and a fine adjustment screw as in the telescope control the movement of the
vernier scales.

Figure 3. Spectrometer readings

Example:

Spectrometer readings: (see fig. 3)

L.C. = 0.001 cm

M.S.R. V.S.D. V.S.R. = T.R. = Average

Sl. x div V.S.C x L.C M.S.R + V.S.R cm.
No. cm. y (x+y)
cm cm.
1
2
3
4
5