Krishna Engineering College, Ghaziabad

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Basic Interview questions of Measurement & Metrology
1. Define Measurement.
The measurement of a given quantity is essentially an act or the result of comparison between the
quantity (whose magnitude is unknown) & a predefined Standard. Since two quantities are
compared, the result is expressed in numerical values.
2. Define Instrument.
An instrument is as a device or a system which is designed to maintain a functional relationship
between prescribed properties of physical variables being measured. It provides the means of
communication to a human observer or the operator of a machine or equipment.
3. Define Measuring Instrument.
It may be defined as a device for determining the value or magnitude of a quantity or variable.
4. What are the basic requirements of Measurement?
i) The standard used for comparison purposes must be accurately defined & should be commonly
accepted
ii) The apparatus used & the method adopted must be provable.
5. What is the different generalized measurement system?
Most of the measurement systems contain three main functional elements are
i) Primary sensing element
ii) Variable conversion element
iii) Data presentation element

6. What do you mean by Primary Sensing Element?

The quantity under measurement makes its first contact with the primary sensing element of a
measurement system.

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 MEASURAND: - (the unknown quantity which is to be measured) is first detected by primary sensor.
TRANSDUCER: The output is then converted into an electrical signal by a transducer - (which converts
energy from one form to another).
7. What do you mean by Variable conversion Element?
The output of the primary sensing element may be electrical signal of any form; it may be voltage, a
frequency or some other electrical Parameter. For the instrument to perform the desired function, it
may be necessary to convert this output to some other suitable form.
8. What do you mean by variable manupulation Element?
The function of this element is to manipulate the signal presented to it preserving the original nature
of the signal. This process of conversion is called signal conditioning.
9. What is Signal Conditioning?
The element that follows the primary sensing element in any instrument or measurement system is
called signal conditioning element.
10. What do you understand by Data transmission element?
When the elements of an instrument are actually physically separated, it becomes necessary to
transmit data from one to another.
11. What do you understand by Data presentation element?
The information about the quantity under measurement has to be conveyed to the personnel
handling the instrument or the system for monitoring, control, or analysis purposes.
 In case data is to be monitored, visual display devices are needed. These devices may be analog
or digital indicating instruments like ammeters, voltmeters etc.
 In case data is to be recorded, recorders like magnetic tapes, high speed camera & TV equipment,
CRT, printers may be used
 For control & analysis purpose microprocessor or computers may be used. The final stage in a
measurement system is known as terminating stage.

12. What are the functional elements of Clinical thermometer?

 The thermometer bulb containing mercury acts as the primary sensing element as well as a variable
conversion element.

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  The final data presentation stage consists of the scale on the thermometer stem, which is calibrated to
give the indication of the temperature signal applied to the thermometer bulb. 

13. What are the functional elements of Bourdon Pressure Gauge?

 The Bourdon tube acts as the primary sensing element and a variable conversion element.

 The mechanical linkage acts as a data transmission element while the gearing arrangement acts as a
data manipulation element.

 The dial scale on the gauge body plays the function of data presentation element and conveys the
information about the quantity being measured. 
14. What are the performance characteristics of an instrument?
The performance characteristics of an instrument are mainly divided into two categories:
i) Static characteristics
ii) Dynamic characteristics
15. What do you mean by Static Characteristics?
The set of criteria defined for the instruments, which are used to measure the quantities which are
slowly varying with time or mostly constant, i.e., do not vary with time, is called ‘static
characteristics’. Determination of static characteristics is mostly done by calibration.
16. Define the following terms.
 Calibration: The procedure that involves a comparison of the particular instrument with either a
primary standard or a secondary standard with a higher accuracy than the instrument to be calibrated.
 Span: It can be defined as the range of an instrument from the minimum to maximum scale
value. In the case of a thermometer, its scale goes from −40°C to 100°C. Thus its span is
140°C.
 Range: It can be defined as the measure of the instrument between the lowest and highest readings it
can measure. A thermometer has a scale from −40°C to 100°C. Thus the range varies from −40°C to
100°C

 Accuracy: Accuracy is how close a measured value is to the actual (true) value.

 Precision: Precision is how close the measured values are to each other.
 Reproducibility: It can be defined as the ability of an instrument to produce the same output
repeatedly after reading the same input repeatedly, under the same conditions.

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  Sensitivity: It is the ratio between the changes in the output of an instrument to the corresponding
change in the measured variable. For a good instrument or process, the sensitivity should always be
high, thus producing higher output amplitudes.
 Offset: Offset is the reading of an instrument with zero input.
 Drift: Drift is the change in the reading of an instrument of a fixed variable with time.
 Hysteresis: It can be defined as the different readings taken down when an instrument approaches a
signal from opposite directions. 

 Backlash: This is caused by a mechanism that gives a sharp change, such as caused by the looseness of
a joint in a mechanical joint, it is easy to detect and is known as backlash.
 Resolution:It is the smallest difference in a variable to which the instrument will respond.
 Linearity: It can b defined as a measure of the proportionality between the actual values of a variable
being measured to the output of the instrument over its operating range.
 Dead Zone: It is the largest value of a measured variable for which the instrument output stays zero.
 Threshold: It is defined as the range of different input values over which there is no change in output
value.
17. What do you mean by Dynamic Characteristics?
The set of criteria defined for the instruments, which are changes rapidly with time, is called ‘dynamic
characteristics’.
a) Speed of response

b) Measuring lag

c) Fidelity

d) Dynamic error

18. Define Speed of response.

It is defined as the rapidity with which a measurement system responds to changes in the measured quantity.

19. Define Measuring Lag.

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It is the retardation or delay in the response of a measurement system to changes in the measured quantity.
The measuring lags are of two types:

20. Define Fidelity.

It is defined as the degree to which a measurement system is capable of faithfully reproducing the changes in
input, without any dynamic error.

21. What do you mean by Dynamic Error?

It is the difference between the true value of the quantity changing with time & the value indicated by the
measurement system if no static error is assumed. It is also called measurement error.

22. Define Errors.

In order to understand the concept of errors in measurement, we should know the two terms that defines
the error.

23. What is the difference between True value & Measured Value?

True Value:It is not possible to determine the true value of a quantity by experiment means. True value may
be defined as the average value of an infinite number of measured values when average deviation due to
various contributing factor will approach to zero.
Measured Value:It is defined as the approximate of true value. It can be found out by taking means of several
measured readings during an experiment, by applying suitable approximations on physical conditions.

24. List different types of errors.

 Gross Errors:
 Systematic Errors
 Instrumental Errors
 Environmental Errors
 Observational Errors

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 Random Errors

25. What do you mean by Gross Errors?

This category of errors includes all the human mistakes while reading, recording and the readings.
Mistakes in calculating the errors also come under this category.

26. What do you understand by Instrumental Errors?

These errors may be due to wrong construction, calibration of the measuring instruments.
These types of error may arise due to friction or may be due to hysteresis.
These types of errors also include the loading effect and misuse of the instruments.
27. What do you mean by Environmental Errors?

This type of error arises due to conditions external to the instrument. External condition includes
temperature, pressure, humidity or it may include external magnetic field.
28. How Environmental Errors can be minimized?

 Try to maintain the temperature and humidity of the laboratory constant by making some
arrangements.
 Ensure that there should not be any external magnetic or electrostatic field around the instrument.
29. What you mean by Observational errors?
As the name suggests these types of errors are due to wrong observations. The wrong observations may
be due to PARALLAX. In order to minimize the PARALLAX error highly accurate meters are required,
provided with mirrored scales.

30. Define Random Errors.

After calculating all systematic errors, it is found that there are still some errors in measurement are left.
These errors are known as random errors. Some of the reasons of the appearance of these errors are
known but still some reasons are unknown. Hence we cannot fully eliminate these kinds of error.

31. How Gross errors can be avoided?

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 a) A proper care should be taken in reading, recording the data. Also calculation of error should be done
accurately.
b) By increasing the number of experimenters we can reduce the gross errors. If each experimenter
takes different reading at different points, then by taking average of more readings we can reduce
the gross errors.

32. Define Sensors.

It is a device that detects a change in a physical stimulus and turns it into a signal which can be measured or
recorded. Sensors produce a voltage or signal output response which is proportional to the change in the
quantity that they are measuring (the stimulus).

33. What are Active & Passive Sensors?

Active sensors require an external power supply to operate, called an excitation signal  which is used by the
sensor to produce the output signal. Active sensors are self-generating devices because their own properties
change in response to an external effect producing.
A good example of an active sensor is an LVDT sensor or a strain gauge.

34. What are Passive Sensors?

A passive sensor does not need any additional power source or excitation voltage. Instead a passive sensor

generates an output signal in response to some external stimulus.  

Passive sensors are direct sensors which change their physical properties, such as resistance, capacitance or
inductance etc. Example: Thermocouple.

35. What are Analog Sensors?

Analog Sensors produce a continuous output signal or voltage which is generally proportional to the quantity
being measured. 

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36. What are digital Sensors?
Digital signals and objects deal in the realm of the discrete or finite.

37. What is the use of Transducer?

It is a device that converts a primary form of energy into a corresponding signal with a different energy form
Primary Energy Forms: mechanical, thermal, electromagnetic, optical, chemical, etc.

39. What are Primary & Secondary Transducers?

Primary transducers convert the physical quantity to be measured into a mechanical signal. Secondary
transducers are deployed in cascade with primary one.
40. What are Active & Passive Transducers?
Transducers those which don’t require an auxiliary power source to produce their output are known as
active transducers or self generating type.
Example: Moving coil, piezoelectric crystal, Thermocouple, Photovoltaic cell.
On the other hand passive transducers can’t work on the absence of external power supply.
Example: Resistive, Capacitive, and Inductive.

41. What are analog & Digital Transducers?

Analog transducers convert input quantity into an analog output which is continuous function of
time. Example: strain gauge, LVDT, Thermocouple, Thermister. Digital transducer converts input
quantity into an electrical output is in the form of pulses. Example: Glass scale, Metallic scale.
42. What are Transducers & Inverse Transducers?

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 Transducers convert non electrical quantity in electrical quantity. Inverse transducers convert
electrical quantity in non electrical quantity. 
43. Define Potentiometer.
A potentiometer is a resistive sensor used to measure linear displacements as well as rotary motion.
In a potentiometer an electrically conductive wiper slides across a fixed resistive element. A voltage is
applied across the resistive element. Thus a voltage divider circuit is formed. The output voltage is
proportional to the distance travelled.
44. What is a Strain Gauge?
Strain gage is one of the most popular types of transducer. It has got a wide range of applications. It
can be used for measurement of force, torque, pressure, acceleration and many other parameters.
45. Define Thermistor?
Basically Thermister is a contraction of a word 'thermal resistors’; the resistors depending on
temperature are thermal resistors. The resistance of a Thermister decreases as temperature
increases. The Thermister are very sensitive and can detect very small changes in temperature too.
46. What is the working principle of Inductive Transducer?
Inductive transducers work on the principle of inductance change due to any appreciable change in
the quantity to be measured i.e. measured. For example, LVDT, a kind of inductive transducers,
measures displacement in terms of voltage difference between its two secondary voltages.

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 47. What is a Stroboscope:
When a rotating or vibrating object is observed with the stroboscope at its vibration frequency (or a
submultiple of it), it appears stationary. Thus stroboscopes are also used to measure frequency. The
principle is used for the study of rotating, reciprocating, oscillating or vibrating objects.

48. Define Metrology.

Metrology is a science of measurement. Metrology may be divided depending upon the
quantity under consideration. Engineering metrology is restricted to the measurement
of length, angles and other quantities which are expressed in linear or angular terms.
49. What are the objectives of Metrology?

 To provide the required accuracy at minimum cost.

 Thorough evaluation of newly developed products.
 To determine the process capabilities and ensure that these are better than the relevant component
tolerance.
 To determine the measuring instrument capabilities and ensure that these are adequate for their
respective measurements.
 To minimize the cost of inspection by effective and efficient use of available facilities and to reduce
the cost of rejects and rework through application of Statistical Quality Control Techniques
Standardization of measuring methods.
 Maintenance of the accuracies of measurement.
 Arbitration and solution of problems arising on the shop floor regarding methods of
measurement.
 Preparation of designs for all gauges and special inspection fixtures.
50. What do you mean by Linear measurement?

It applies to measurement of lengths, diameters, heights, and thickness including external and internal
measurements.
51. Classify the instruments for linear measurements.
The instruments used for linear measurements can be classified as:
(a) Direct measuring instruments
(b) Indirect measuring instruments
52. Explain the principle of Vernier Instruments.

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 The principle of vernier is that when two scales or divisions slightly different in size are used, the
difference between them can be utilized to enhance the accuracy of measurement.

53. Define Vernier height gauge:

Vernier height gauge is similar to vernier caliper but in this instrument the graduated bar is held in a
vertical position and it is used in conjunction with a surface plate.

54. What is a micrometer?

The micrometer screw gauge essentially consists of an accurate screw having about 10 or 20 threads
per cm and revolves in a fixed nut.

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 55. What is the use of Dial Indicator?
Dial indicators are small indicating devices using mechanical means such as gears and pinions or levers
for magnification system. They are basically used for making and checking linear measurements.

56. What is the use of Slip Gauges?

Slip gauges or gauge blocks are universally accepted end standard of length in industry.
These were introduced by Johnson, a Swedish engineer, and are also called as johanson gauges
57. What is the appearance of slip gauges?
Slip gauges are rectangular blocks of high grade steel with exceptionally close tolerances.
These blocks are suitably hardened through out to ensure maximum resistance to wear.
58.

59. What do you understand by angular measurements?

Angular measurements are frequently necessary for the manufacture of interchangeable
parts. The ships and aero plane scan navigate confidently without the help of the site of the land;
only because of precise angular measuring devices can be used in astronomy to determine the
relation of the stars and their approximate distances.

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 60. How Bevel Protector is used in measurements?
It consists of a base plate attached to the main body, and an adjustable blade which is
attached to a circular plate containing vernier scale. The adjustable blade is capable of
rotating freely about the centre of the main scale engraved on the body of the instrument
and can be locked in any position.

61. What is a Sine Principle?

The sine principle uses the ratio of the length of two sides of a right triangle in deriving a given angle.
62. What is the use of Sine bars?
The sine bar in itself is not a complete measuring instrument. Another datum such as a surface plate
is needed, as well as other auxiliary equipment, notably slip gauges, and indicating device to
make measurements. Sine bars used in conjunction with slip gauges constitute a very good device
for the precise measurement of angles.

63. What are load cells?

Load cells are devices for the measurement of force through indirect methods.
64. Give the principle of hot wire anemometer.

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When a fluid flows over a heated surface heat is transferred from the surface and so the
temperature reduces. The rate of reduction of temperature is related to flow rate.
65. State any four inferential type of flow meters?
▪Venturi meter.
▪Orifice meter.
▪Rota meter.
▪Pitot tube.

66. What is the principle involved in fluid expansion thermometer?

Change in pressure in the bulb is taken as an indication of the temperature.
67. Mention some instruments used to measure negative pressures. 
▪Kundsen Gauge.
▪Pirani Gauge.
▪Ionization Type Gauge.

68. Name the two types of hot wire anemometer.

▪Constant Current Type.
▪Constant Temperature Type.

69. What is an Anemometer?

An anemometer is a device for measuring mean and fluctuating velocities in fluid flows. The
reduction of temperature of a surface resulting from the heat transferred owing to the fluid
flow is related to flow rate.
70. What is thermocouple?
When two metals are joined together it will create an emf and it is primarily a function of the
junction temperature.

71. What is a Kentometer?

It is a device for measurement of absolute pressure.

72. What is thermopile?

When thermocouples are connected in series it is called thermopile.

73. Write the working principles of hot wire anemometer.

When the fluid flows over heated surface heat is transferred from the surface and so, its temperature
reduces. The rate of reduction of temperature is related to floe rate.

74. What is the use of thermometer and pyormeter?

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Thermometer is used to measure the absolute temperatures. The pyrometer is used to measure high
temperatures.

75. Name the instruments used for measurement of torque.

▪ Mechanical torsion meter (Stroboscopic method).

▪ Optical torsion meter.
▪ Electrical torsion meter.
▪ Strain gauge torsion meter.

76.Classify the types of strain gauges.

▪ Unbonded strain gauge.

▪ Bonded strain gauge.
▪ Fine wire strain gauge.
▪ Metal foil strain gauge.
▪ Piezo-resistive strain gauge.

77. Mention a few materials used in binding of strain gauges.

▪ Ceramic cement.
▪ Epoxy
▪ Nitrocellulose.

78. Mention the types of dynamometers.

1. Absorption dynamometer.
2. Driving dynamometer.
3. Transmission dynamometer.

79. Mention the types of electrical strain gauges.

▪ Inductive.
▪ Capacitive.
▪ Piezo electric.
▪ Resistance types.

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 80. Give any two applications of an ultrasonic flow meter.
▪ Measurement of flow between the blades of turbines.
▪ Remote sensing of wind velocities.

81. Name any four inferential types of flow meters.

1. A venturimeter.
2. A orifice meter.
3. A rotometer.
4. A pitot tube.

82. What is the principle involved in fluid expansion thermometer?

In fluid expansion thermometers, the change in pressure in the bulb is taken as an indication of the
temperature.
83. Name the various types of pitch errors found in screw?
(i) Progressive error. (ii) Drunken error. (iii) Periodic error. (iv) Irregular errors.
84. Name the various methods of measuring the minor diameter of the thread.
(i) Using taper parallels. (ii) Using rollers and slip gauges.
85. Name the various methods used for measuring the major diameter?
(i) Ordinary micrometer. (ii) Bench micro meter.
86. Name the various methods for measuring effective diameter.
(i) One wire method. (ii) Two wire method. (iii) Three wire method.
87. Name the various methods for measuring pitch diameter.
(i) Pitch measuring machine. (ii) Tool maker. (iii) Screw pitch gauge.
88. Name the two corrections are to be applied in the measurement of effective diameter.
(i) Rake corrections (ii) Compression correction.
89. What is best size of wire?
Best size of wire is a wire of such diameter that it makes contact with the flanks of the thread on the
pitch line.
90. Define. Drunken thread
This is one, having erratic pitch, in which the advance Of the helix is irregular in one complete
revolution of thread.
91. What is the effect of flank angle error?

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 Errors in the flank cause a virtual increase in the effective diameter of a bolt and decrease in that, of
nut.
92. What are the applications of toolmaker’s microscope?
(i) Linear measurement.
(ii) Measurement of pitch of the screw.
(iii) Measurement of thread angle.
93. Define: Periodic error.
The periodic error repeats itself at equal intervals along the thread.
94. What are the direct angular measurements methods?
1. Profile checking:
a) Optical projection method.
b) Involutes measuring method.
2. Thickness measurement:
a) Chordal thickness method.
b) Constance chord method.
95. What are the two methods used in measuring radius of concave surface?
a) Edges are well defined.
b) Edges are rounded up.
96. What are the factors affecting surface roughness?
a) Vibrations.
b) Material of the work piece.
c) Tool
d) Machining type.
97. What are the methods used for evaluating the surface finish?
a) Peak to valley height method.
b) The average roughness method.
c) Form factor method.
98. What are the methods used for measuring surface roughness?
a) Inspection by comparison
b) Direct instrument measurements.
99. What are the stylus probe instruments?
a) Profilo meter.

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 b) Taylor Hobson Talysurf.
c) Tomlinson surface meter.
100. Define: Straightness of a line in two planes.
A line is said to be straight over a given length, of the variation of the distance of its points from two
planes perpendicular to each other and parallel to the direction of a line remaining within the
specified tolerance limits.
101. Define: Roundness. Name the four measurement of roundness.
It is a surface of revolution where all the surfaces intersected ‘by any plane perpendicular to a
common axis in case of, cylinder and cone.
a. Heart square circle.
b. Minimum radial separation circle.
c. Maximum inscribed circle.
d. Minimum circumscribed circle.
102. Name the devices used for measurement of roundness.
1. Diametral. 2. Circumferential confining gauge.
3. Rotating on center. 4. V-Block.
5. Three point probe. 6. Accurate spindle.
103. What is run out?
Run out. -Total range of reading of a fixed indicate Or with the contact points applied to a Surface
rotated, without axial movement, about 3 fixed axis.

104. Define interchangibility?

An interchangeable part is one which can be substituted for similar part manufactured to. the same
drawing. In earlier times production used to be confined to small number of units and the same.
105. Mention any four precautions to be taken while using slip gauges.
(a) Difference in temperature of the gauge from the reference temperature of 20°C . (b) Difference
between conditions of ambient air and standards air.
(c) Phase change due to the difference in finish between the exposed surface of gauge and top
surface of base plate.
(d) Obliquity errors due to the inclination of incident light with the normal to the surface of base
plate.
106.Define limit and tolerance.

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 Ans) Limit: The term limits of size referred to the two extreme permissible sizes for a dimension of a
part, between which the actual size should lie.
Tolernace: The term tolerance refers to the difference between the upper (maximum) limit and lower
(minimum) limit of a dimension.
107. Name any four instruments for temperature measurement
Thermocouples
Thermistors
Resistance temperature detector (RTD)
Pyrometer
108. What is progressive error in screw gauge?
When the pitch of a screw is uniform, but is shorter or longer than its nominal value, it is said to have
progressive error.
109. What is comparator?
A comparator works on relative measurements, i.e. to say, it gives only dimensional differences in
relation to a basic dimension. So a comparator compares the unknown dimen- sions of a part with
some standard or master setting which represents the basic size and dimensional variations from the
master setting are amplified and measured.
110. Differentiate between transducer and sensor.
The main difference between sensor and transducer is that a transducer is a device that can convert
energy from one form to another, whereas a sensor is a device that can detect a physical quantity
and convert the data into an electrical signal. Sensors are also a type of transducers.
111. What do you understand by sensitivity? Explain linear and nonlinear sensitivity.
Ans) Sensitivity for a typical transducer is the relationship indicating how much output you get for
unit input. In other words, it is the ratio between the small change in electrical output to a small
change in physical input signal.
112. Enlist different signal display devices and signal recording devices.
Signal display devices:
 Vacuum fluorescent display
 Cold cathode gas discharge
 Light-emitting diode (LED)
 Liquid crystal display (LCD)
Signal recording devices:

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 Mechanical recorder.
UV recorders.
Magnetic recorders.

113. What do you understand by interchangeability and standardization?

An interchangeable part is one which can be substituted for similar part manufactured to. the same
drawing. In earlier times production used to be confined to small number of units and the same. For
overall higher economy, efficiency and productivity in a factory and country, it is essential that
diversity be minimized and interchangeability among parts encouraged. All this is possible with
standardization. Standardization is done at various levels, viz. International, National, Association,
Company.

114. What are measurement standards?

Ans. Standards are objects of known size, quantity, roughness, etc. These standards are used to
calibrate and verify measuring instruments. As a result, measured values are more accurate.
115. What effect will temperature variation have on precision measurements?
Ans. Temperature control during measurement is important because as materials are heated they
expand. Each material expands at a different rate. This leads to distortion of parts and measuring
devices that results in measurement errors.

116. How can a vernier scale provide higher accuracy?

Ans. A vernier scale uses a second elongated scale to interpolate values on a major scale.

117. What are dimensional tolerances, and what are their primary uses?
Ans. Dimensional tolerances specify the amount a dimension may vary about a target value.
These are supplied by a designer to ensure the correct function of a device. If these tolerances are
controlled the final product will work as planned.

118. Why is an allowance different from a tolerance?

Ans. A tolerance is the amount a single dimension can vary. An allowance is an intentional
difference between two dimensions to allow for press fits, running fits, etc.

119. What are fits?

Ans. There are standard for different types of fits (e.g. press fit, running clearance). These specify
the allowance of two parts, so that they may be made separately and then joined (mated) in an
assembly.

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 120. What is the difference between precision and accuracy?
Ans. Precision suggests a limit of technology, accuracy is the ability to achieve a value
consistently. These are often interchanged because we are usually concerned with the accuracy
when producing precision parts.

121. Why are different grades of gauge blocks used?

Ans. There are different quality levels for gauges blocks. The poorest sets are workshop grade and
are more accurate than most machine tools. The best sets are very accurate, and must be kept in
tightly controlled conditions. The best sets are used for calibrating others.
122. How are a ring gauge and a plug gauge different?
Ans. A plug gauge goes into a hole, a ring gauge surrounds a dimension.
123.  Why is a micrometer used for precise measurement of components in mechanical
engineering.
Ans : Digital calipers are pretty accurate, but if you need precision, a micrometer is the way to go.
Some things need to be measured in 1/10000ths of an inch (e.g. high pressure hydraulic pump
pistons) and a digital caliper just won’t do that. That said, I use calipers all the time and use a mic
when I need to.

124. How are pressure gauges specified?

Ans : There are a number of things to take into account while specifying the right pressure gauge
for your application. This goes from choosing the right measuring range, choosing the diameter of
the dial, to preventing the pressure gauge from being subject to vibrations and even more of this
kind of choices.

125. What is Range of measurement?

The physical variables that are measured between two values. One is the higher calibration
value H, and the other is Lower value L, The difference between H, and L, is called range.
126. What is Resolution?
The minimum value of the input signal is required to cause an appreciable change in the
output known as resolution.
127. Differentiate between sensitivity and range with suitable example.
Example: An Instrument has a scale reading of 0.01 mm to 100 mm. Here, the sensitivity of
the instrument is 0.01 mm i.e. the minimum value in the scale by which the instrument can
read. The range is 0.01 to 100 mm i.e. the minimum to maximum value by which the
instrument can read.
128. Define system error and correction.
Error: The deviation between the results of measured value to the actual value.
Correction: The numerical value which should be added to the measured value to get the
correct result.
129. Define: Deterministic Metrology.
The metrology in which part measurement is replaced by process measurement. The new
techniques such as 3D error compensation by CNC systems are applied.

130. Give any four methods of measurement

1. Direct method.
2. Indirect method.

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 3. Comparison method.
4. Coincidence method.
131.Give classification of measuring instruments.
1. Angle measuring Instruments.
2. Length measuring Instruments.
3. Instruments for surface finish.
4. Instruments for deviations.
132. Define True size.
True size is Theoretical size of a dimension.
133. Define Actual size.
Actual size = Size obtained through measurement with permissible error.
134. What is Hysteresis?
All the energy put into the stressed component when loaded is not recovered upon unloading.
So, the output of measurement partially depends on input called hysteresis.
135. Differentiate accuracy and Uncertainty with example.
o Accuracy – Closeness to the true value.
o Example: Measuring accuracy is ± 0.02mm for diameter 25mm.
o Here the measurement true values lie between 24.98 to25.02 mm
o Uncertainty about the true value = ± 0.02mm
136. Define Span.
The algebraic difference between higher calibration values to lower calibration value.
Example: In a measurement of temperature higher value is 200*C and lower value is 15000 C
means span = 200 – 150 = 500 C.
137. Differentiate between precision and accuracy.
Accuracy – The maximum amount by which the result differ from true value.
Precision – Degree of repetitiveness. If an instrument is not precise it will give different
results for the same dimension for the repeated readings.
138. What is Scale interval?
It is the difference between two successive scale marks in units.
139. What is Response Time?
The time at which the instrument begins its response for a change measured quantity.
140. Define Repeatability.
The ability of the measuring instrument to repeat the same results g the act measurements
for the same quantity is known as repeatability.
141. Explain the term magnification.
It means the magnitude of output signal of measuring instrument time’s increases to make it
more readable.
142. Classify the Absolute error.
The absolute error is classified into
1. True absolute error.
2. Apparent absolute error.
143. What is Relative error?
Relative error is defined as the results of the absolute error and the, value of comparison used
for calculation of that absolute error. The comparison may be true value or conventional true
value or arithmetic mean for series of measurement.

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144.What is the basic Principle of measurement?
It is the physical phenomenon utilized in the measurement. If energy kind of quantity
measured, there must be a unit to measure it. So this will give the quantity to be measured in
number of that unit.
145. What is Application of Legal Metrology ?
1. Industrial Measurements.
2. Commercial transactions.
3. Public health and human safety ensuring.
146. What is the need of inspection?
To determine the fitness of new made materials, products or component part and to compare
the materials, products to the established standard.
147. What are the important elements of measurements?
The important elements of a measurement is
1. Measurand.
2. Reference.
3. Comparator.
148. What are the considerations while manufacturing the slip gauges?
The following additional operations are carried out to obtain the necessary qualities in slip gauges
during manufacture.
1. First the approximate size of slip gauges is done by preliminary operations.
2. The blocks are hardened and wear resistant by a special heat treatment process.
3. To stabilize the whole life of blocks, seasoning process is done.
4. The approximate required dimension is done by a final grinding process.
149. How do you calibrate the slip gauges?
Comparators are used to calibrate the slip gauges.
150. List the various linear measurements?
(i) Length.
(ii) Heights and
(iii) Thickness.
151. What are the various types of linear measuring instruments?
The various devices used for measuring the linear measurements are
i. Vernier calipers.
ii. Micrometers.
iii. Slip gauge or gauge blocks.
iv. Comparator.
152. List out any four angular measuring instrument used in metrology.
(i) Angle gauges.
(ii) Divided scales.
(iii) Sine bar with slip gauges.
(iv) Autocollimator.
(v) Angle dekkor.
153. Classify the comparator according to the principles used for obtaining magnification.
The common types are:
(i) Mechanical comparators.
(ii) Electrical comparators.

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 (iii) Optical comparators.
(iv) Pneumatic comparators.
154. How the mechanical comparator works?
The method of magnifying small movement of the indicator in all mechanical comparators are
effected by means of levers, gear trains or a combination of these elements.
155. State the best example of a mechanical comparator.
A dial indicator or dial gauge is used as a mechanical comparator.
156. Define least count and mention the least count of a mechanical comparator.
Least count. – The least value that can be measured by using any measuring instrument
known as least count. Least count of a mechanical comparator is 0.0 1 mm.
157. How the mechanical comparator is used? State with any one example.
Let us assume that the required height of the component I s 32.5mm. Initially, this height is
built up with slip gauges. The slip gauge blocks are placed under the stem of the dial gauge.
The pointer in the dial gauge is adjusted to zero. The slip gauges are removed- Now, the
component to be checked is introduced under the stem of the dial gauge. If there is any
deviation in the height of the component, it will be indicated by the pointer.
158. State any four advantages of reed type mechanical comparator.
(i) It is usually robust, compact and easy to handle.
(ii) There is no external supply such as electricity, air required.
(iii) It has very simple mechanism and is cheaper when compared to other types.
(iv) It is suitable for ordinary workshop and also easily portable.
159. Mention any two disadvantages of reed type mechanical comparator.
(i) Accuracy of the comparator mainly depends on the accuracy of the rack and pinion
arrangement. Any slackness will reduce accuracy.
(ii) It has more moving parts and hence friction is more and accuracy is less.
160. What are the major types of on electrical comparator?
An electrical comparator consists of the following three major parts such as
(i) Transducer.
(ii) Display device as meter.
(iii) Amplifier.
161. On what basis the transducer works?
An iron armature is provided in between two coils held by a leaf spring at one end. The other
end is supported against a plunger. The two coils act as two arms of an A.C. wheat stone
bridge circuit.
162. How is the accuracy of an electrical comparator checked?
To check the accuracy of a given specimen or work, first a standard specimen is placed under
the plunger. After this, the resistance of wheat stone bridge is adjusted that the scale reading
shows zero. Then the specimen is removed. Now, the work is introduced under the plunger.
163. State the working principle of an electronic comparator.
In electronic comparator, transducer induction or the principle of application of
frequency modulation or radio oscillation is followed.
164. Mention the important parts of an electronic comparator.
(i) Transducer. (iv) Demodulator.
(ii) Oscillator. (v) Meter.
(iii) Amplifier.
165. Classify pneumatic comparators.

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 (i) Flow or Velocity type.
(ii) Back pressure type.
166. What are the advantages of electrical and electronic comparator?
(i) It has less number of moving parts.
(ii) Magnification obtained is very high.
(iii) Two or more magnifications are provided in the same instrument to use various ranges.
(iv) The pointer is made very light so that it ‘IS more sensitive to vibration.
167 . What are the disadvantages of electrical and electronic comparator?
(i) External agency is required to meter for actuation.
(ii) Variation of voltage or frequency may affect the accuracy of output.
(iv) Due to heating coils, the accuracy decreases.
(v) It is more expensive than mechanical comparator.
168. List the various parts of an optical comparator.
The optical comparator consists of the following parts such as
(i) Pivoted lever. (iv) Plunger.
(ii) Objective lens (iv) Table
(iii) Scale. (v) Base.
169. What are the advantages of pneumatic comparators?
(i) The wear of measuring heads is avoided due to absence of direct contact.
(ii) Friction is less due to less number of moving parts.
(iii) Work piece is cleaned by supplying of all during the measurement.
(iv)High magnification is possible.
(v) There is no interference of measuring head and indicating device because the measuring
head is kept away from the indicating device.
(vi) It is a suitable method to check taperness of circular bore.

170. Explain briefly the three important fields of machine vision system?
Inspection: it is the ability of an automated vision system to recognize well-defined pattern
and if these pattern match these stored in the system makes machine vision ideal for
inspection of raw materials, parts, assemblies etc.

Part identification: It is the ability of part recognition provides positive identifications of an

object for decision-making purposes. Guidance and Control. Machine vision systems are used
to provide sensor feedback for real time guidance.
171. What is interferometer?
Interferometer is optical instruments used for measuring flatness and determining the lengths
of slip gauges by direct reference to the wavelength of light.
172. Name the different types of interferometer?
1) NPL flatness interferometer.
2) Michelson interferometer.
3) Laser interferometer.
4) Zesis gauge block interferometer.
173.Name the common source of light used for interferometer?
a. Mercury 198. d. Helium.
b. Cad minus. e. Hydrogen.
c. Krypton 86.
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174. What is crest and trough?
The light is a form of energy being propagated by electromagnetic waves, which is a sine
curve. The high point of the wave is called crust and the low Point is called is trough.
175. What is meant by alignment test on machine tools?
The alignment test is carried out to check the grade of manufacturing accuracy of the machine
tool.
176. List the various geometrical checks made on machine tools.
a. Straightness of guide ways and slide ways of machine tool.
b. Flatness of machine tables and slide ways.
c. Parallelism, equidistance and alignment of the slide ways.
d. True running and alignment of shaft and spindle.
e. The pitch error or lead of lead screw.
f. Pitch errors of gears.
177. What is wavelength?
The distance between two crusts or two rough is called the wavelength.
178. Distinguish between geometrical test and practical test on a machine tool.
The alignment test is carried out to check the grade of manufacturing accuracy of the machine
tool. Performance test consist of checking the accuracy of the finished component. Alignment
test consist of checking the relationship between various machine elements when the machine
tool is idle. Performance test consists of preparing the actual test jobs on the machine and
checking the accuracy of the jobs produced.
179. What are the main spindle errors?
a) Out of round.
b) Eccentricity.
c) Radial throws of an axis.
d) Run out.
e) Periodical axial slip.

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180. Write the various tests conducted on any machine tools?
1. Test for level of installation of machine tool in horizontal and vertical planes.
2. Test for flatness of machine bed and for straightness and parallelism of bed ways
on bearing surface.
3. Test for perpendicularity of guide ways to other guide ways.
4. Test for true running of the main spindle and its axial movements.
181. Why the laser is used in alignment testing?
The alignment tests can be carried out over greater distances and to a greater degree
of accuracy using laser equipment. Laser equipment produces real straight line,
whereas an alignment telescope provides a, imaginary line that cannot be seen in
space.
182. Classify the machine tool test.
It can be classified into
1. Static tests.
2. Dynamic tests.
183. What are the different types of geometrical tests conducted on machine tools?
1. Straightness.
2. Flatness.
3. Parallelism, equi-distance and coincidence.
184. Why Hole Basis Systems are Preferred?
 Holes can be finished by tools like reamers, drills, broaches, and their sizes are not
adjustable. The shaft sizes can be easily obtained by external machining.
 If shaft basis system is used considerable no of reamers and other precision tools are
required for producing different classes of holes for one class of shaft for obtaining
different fits which increases cost of production.
 It is economical
185.Why is a unilateral tolerance preferred over bilateral tolerance?
 This system is preferred for Interchangeable manufacturing.
 It is easy and simple to determine deviations.
 It helps standardize the GO gauge end .
 Helpful for operator because he has to machine the upper limit of the shaft and the
lower limit of the hole knowing fully well that still some margin is left for machining
before the part is rejected.

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