Is the least count constant for Vernier scale or variables?

AI Thread Summary
The least count of a Vernier scale is a fixed value specific to each individual Vernier, typically expressed in millimeters, such as 0.01 mm or 0.02 mm. This value does not change during measurements and is determined by the design of the Vernier scale. Different main scale and Vernier scale readings can yield different least counts, but these refer to different Vernier scales rather than variations within a single scale. Each division on the Vernier corresponds to these fixed least count values, which remain constant for that specific Vernier. Understanding this concept is crucial for accurate measurements using Vernier calipers.
Medicalboy
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Homework Statement


Is the least count constant for Vernier scale like 0.1 mm or variables?

2. The attempt at a solution

If the main scale readings are 10 mm and the vernier scale readings are 9 mm, the least count is MSD/VSD = 9/10 = 0.9 So the least count is 0.1 mm for every count in the vernier scale
again if MSD is 50 mm and VSD is 49 mm, the least count is MSD/VSD = 0.98 So the least count is 0.2 for every count in the vernier scale
 
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The least count stays fixed for a particular vernier, they are the little steps the vernier can take with measurements. Your examples have one vernier with a 0.01 mm least count and the other with an 0.02 mm least count (note the extra 0 you omitted). This will stay the same for all measurements with the verniers. It does not change, that is the way the vernier is designed. The small scale divisions on the vernier scale each represents these least count values like for the 0.02 mm least count one the divisions on the vernier scale will be 0.02 mm, next division 0.04 mm, then 0.06 mm, 0.08 mm then 0.10 mm, that is the vernier division with a 1 digit next to it and so forth.
 
andrevdh said:
The least count stays fixed for a particular vernier, they are the little steps the vernier can take with measurements. Your examples have one vernier with a 0.01 mm least count and the other with an 0.02 mm least count (note the extra 0 you omitted). This will stay the same for all measurements with the verniers. It does not change, that is the way the vernier is designed. The small scale divisions on the vernier scale each represents these least count values like for the 0.02 mm least count one the divisions on the vernier scale will be 0.02 mm, next division 0.04 mm, then 0.06 mm, 0.08 mm then 0.10 mm, that is the vernier division with a 1 digit next to it and so forth.
As you said above 'The least count stays fixed for a particular Vernier'.
When the main scale division is 9mm and the vernier scale division is 10 mm, we get the least count 0.01 mm, on the other hand, for the same scale, when the main scale division is 49 mm and the vernier scale division is 50 mm, then we get the least count 0.02 mm.
So why do we get different least counts for the same vernier scale? Could you explain it, please?
 
Those are 2 different cases, they do not apply to the same vernier, that is to my knowledge you find only one vernier scale on a particular caliper.
 
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