Data recorded during an experiment to measure the diameter of a sphere using a Vernier calliper ( 1 main scale division = 1 mm, 10 Vernier scale divisions = 9 main scale divisions) is given below: Condition 1: Jaws fully closed Main Scale Reading: 0 Vernier Scale Alignment: Vernier zero is to the right of main scale zero; 6^ th division coincides. Condition 2: Measuring sphere diameter Main Scale Reading: 2.4 cm Vern

Step-by-step solution

The least count (LC) of the Vernier calliper is calculated as: LC = 1 MSD - 1 VSD = 1 mm - 0.9 mm = 0.1 mm = 0.01 cm Since the Vernier zero is to the right of the main scale zero, the instrument has a positive zero error. Zero error = +n LC = +6 0.01 cm = +0.06 cm The observed reading for the sphere's diameter is: Observed reading = MSR + ( VSR LC ) = 2.4 cm + (8 0.01 cm ) = 2.48 cm The actual diameter is obtained by subtracting the zero error from the observed reading: Actual diameter = Observed reading - Zero err