Learning path

Length measurement for physics labs

For high-school and university physics practicals: learn the vocabulary and how to record a reading, then the vernier caliper and the micrometer screw gauge, and finally repeated readings and uncertainty.

1. Measurement basics

   Start with the terms, how to record a reading with its unit, and the length-measurement practical itself.

   Selected lessons

   1. Measurement terms
   2. Recording a reading
   3. Length measurement in the physics lab

2. Caliper fundamentals

   Then the vernier caliper: the basics and how to read the vernier scale.

   Selected lessons

   1. Caliper basics
   2. Reading a vernier caliper

3. Micrometers

   The micrometer comes next: reading it to its 0.01 mm scale division, with one more estimated digit where your handout asks, and checking its zero.

   Selected lessons

   1. The screw and the reading
   2. Checking and setting zero

4. Measurement data, uncertainty and decisions

   Finish with repeated readings and measurement uncertainty, so the result in your report states its uncertainty.

   Selected lessons

   1. Repeated readings, mean and standard deviation Coming soon
   2. Type A and Type B uncertainty