Scribd
Upload
5 views

spherometer experiment

The document outlines a procedure to determine the radius of curvature of a spherical surface using a spherometer. It details the necessary apparatus, theoretical principles, step-by-step instructions for measurement, and how to record observations and calculations. Additionally, it highlights precautions and potential sources of error in the experiment.

Uploaded by

tanvichauhan4342
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
5 views

spherometer experiment

The document outlines a procedure to determine the radius of curvature of a spherical surface using a spherometer. It details the necessary apparatus, theoretical principles, step-by-step instructions for measurement, and how to record observations and calculations. Additionally, it highlights precautions and potential sources of error in the experiment.

Uploaded by

tanvichauhan4342
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Aim

To determine radius of curvature of a given spherical surface by a


spherometer.

Apparatus
Spherometer, convex surface (it may be unpolished convex mirror), a big
size plane glass slab or plane mirror.

Diagram

Theory
It works on the principle of micrometre screw (Section 2.09) It is used to
measure either very small thickness or the radius of curvature of a spherical
surface that is why it is called a spherometer.

Procedure

1. Raise the central screw of the spherometer and press the spherometer
gently on the practical note-book so as to get pricks of the three legs.
Mark these pricks as A, B and C.
2. Measure the distance between the pricks (points) by joining the points
as to form a triangle ABC.
3. Note these distances (AB, BC, AC) on notebook and take their mean.
4. Find the value of one vertical {pitch) scale division.
5. Determine the pitch and the least count of the spherometer [Art.
2.13(c)] and record it step wise.
6. Raise the screw sufficiently upwards.
7. Place the spherometer on the convex surface so that its three legs rest
on it.
8. Gently, turn the screw downwards till the screw tip just touches the
convex surface. (The tip of the screw will just touch its image in the
convex glass surface).
9. Note the reading of the circular (disc) scale which is in line with the
vertical (pitch) scale. Let it be a (It will act as reference).
10.Remove the spherometer from over the convex surface and place over
a large size plane glass slab.
11.Turn the screw downwards and count the number of complete rotations
(n1) made by the disc (one rotation becomes complete when the
reference reading crosses past the pitch scale).
12.Continue till the tip of the screw just touches the plane surface of the
glass slab.
13.Note the reading of the circular scale which is finally in line with the
vertical (pitch) scale. Let it be b.
14.Find the number of circular (disc) scale division in last incomplete
rotation.
15.Repeat steps 6 to 14, three times. Record the observation in tabular
form.
Observations
Calculations
1. Find value of h in each observation and record it in column 5.
2. Find mean of value of h recorded in column 5

Result
The radius of curvature of the given convex surface is cm.

Precautions

1. The screw should move freely without friction.


2. The screw should be moved in same direction to avoid back-lash error
of the screw.
3. Excess rotation should be avoided.

Sources of error

1. The screw may have friction.


2. The spherometer may have back-lash error.
3. Circular (disc) scale divisions may not be of equal size.

You might also like