Which instrument provides precise measurement of small distances using a vernier scale?

Which instrument provides precise measurement of small distances using a vernier scale?

• A. Micrometer calipers
• B. Vernier calipers
• C. Hammers
• D. Punches

Answer: (B)

Vernier calipers achieve precision by combining a fixed main scale with a sliding vernier scale. When you measure, you read the main scale for the nearest larger graduation, then look along the vernier scale to see which vernier line best aligns with a line on the main scale. The aligned vernier line indicates the extra fractional part to add to the main-scale reading. Together, these readings give a measurement more precise than the main scale alone, allowing small distances to be read with fine increments. This is why the vernier caliper is the instrument described: it uses a vernier scale to interpolate between marks and obtain precise measurements. Micrometer calipers also measure small distances very precisely, but they use a screw mechanism rather than a vernier scale. Hammers and punches are not measurement tools.

Vernier calipers achieve precision by combining a fixed main scale with a sliding vernier scale. When you measure, you read the main scale for the nearest larger graduation, then look along the vernier scale to see which vernier line best aligns with a line on the main scale. The aligned vernier line indicates the extra fractional part to add to the main-scale reading. Together, these readings give a measurement more precise than the main scale alone, allowing small distances to be read with fine increments.

This is why the vernier caliper is the instrument described: it uses a vernier scale to interpolate between marks and obtain precise measurements. Micrometer calipers also measure small distances very precisely, but they use a screw mechanism rather than a vernier scale. Hammers and punches are not measurement tools.