Laboratory Spherometer Apparatus
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Product Code : SCL-LAO-11255
The Laboratory Spherometer Apparatus is a precision mechanical instrument used to determine the radius of curvature of spherical surfaces and measure small differences in thickness or height. It is intended for school, college and university physics laboratories conducting experiments with convex lenses, concave surfaces and optical components.
Product Description
A standard spherometer consists of three fixed legs arranged around a central micrometer screw. The three legs establish a reference plane, while the central screw moves vertically to measure the height or depth of the tested spherical surface relative to that plane.
The instrument applies micrometer-screw measurement and spherical geometry. Students first determine the screw’s least count, record readings on a plane reference surface and then measure the curved specimen. The result supports practical work in light and optics laboratory experiments.
Key Features
- Three-leg reference system: Establishes a stable plane around the central measuring screw.
- Micrometer screw mechanism: Detects small vertical displacement at the centre.
- Circular and pitch scales: Enable precise manual measurement when properly calibrated.
- Curvature measurement: Supports calculation of the radius of convex and concave spherical surfaces.
- Thickness comparison: Can measure small differences in plate or specimen thickness within its range.
- Mechanical operation: Requires no battery or external power source.
- Educational construction: Demonstrates least count, zero error and precision-reading techniques.
Technical Specifications
|
Specification |
Detail |
|
Product name |
Laboratory Spherometer Apparatus |
|
Instrument type |
Mechanical curvature and height-measuring instrument |
|
Measuring arrangement |
Three fixed legs with one central micrometer screw |
|
Primary application |
Radius-of-curvature measurement |
|
Secondary application |
Small thickness or height-difference measurement |
What's Included in the Kit
- 1 × laboratory spherometer apparatus
- Plane glass reference plate
- Storage case
- Instruction sheet
Lenses, mirrors, measuring scale and calibration certificate are not included unless specifically listed.
Applications / Uses
- Determining the radius of curvature of a convex lens surface.
- Measuring the curvature of a compatible concave spherical surface.
- Comparing the curvature of different optical components.
- Determining small differences in specimen thickness.
- Teaching pitch, least count and zero-error correction.
- Testing lenses from an educational lens and prism set.
- Supporting measurement exercises in the physics laboratory equipment range.
How to Use the Laboratory Spherometer Apparatus
- Clean the three fixed legs, central screw tip and test surface.
- Determine the screw pitch and calculate the instrument’s least count.
- Place the spherometer on a clean plane reference plate.
- Lower the central screw gently until it just touches the plate.
- Record the reference reading and note any zero error.
- Place the instrument centrally on the spherical surface.
- Turn the screw gently until its tip touches the surface without pressure.
- Record the new reading and calculate the central height difference.
- Measure the mean separation of the fixed legs and apply the standard radius-of-curvature formula.
- Repeat the measurement at several positions and calculate the mean result.
Handling note: Apply only light contact pressure. Excess force can scratch the lens, bend the screw or introduce measurement error.
Care & Maintenance
- Keep the screw threads, legs and measuring tip clean and dry.
- Do not oil the measuring tip or allow abrasive particles into the screw mechanism.
- Store the apparatus with the central screw slightly raised.
- Protect the instrument from impact, corrosion and excessive tightening.
Why Choose Lab Equipments Ambala
Lab Equipments Ambala manufactures and exports scientific and educational laboratory equipment from Ambala, India. Its range includes physics measurement instruments, lenses, prisms and optics experiment apparatus. The company supports institutional procurement and international laboratory supply. Buyers should confirm the least count, materials, leg spacing and supplied accessories before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Laboratory Spherometer Apparatus used for?
It is primarily used to determine the radius of curvature of a spherical lens or mirror surface.
What are the main parts of a spherometer?
A typical instrument has three fixed legs, a central micrometer screw, a pitch scale and a circular scale.
How is the least count calculated?
The least count equals the pitch of the screw divided by the number of circular-scale divisions. Use the verified values for the supplied model.
Can a spherometer measure thickness?
Yes. It can determine small thickness or height differences when used with a suitable plane reference surface.
Can it measure both convex and concave surfaces?
A suitable spherometer can measure either surface when the specimen dimensions and curvature fit the instrument’s geometry and range.
Is a calibration certificate included?
A calibration certificate is not assumed. Buyers requiring traceable calibration should specify their documentation and acceptance requirements.
Explore the complete Light and Optics laboratory equipment collection or review the school physics practical equipment guide for related measurement instruments.
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