Length Measurement Instruments
There is a variety of length measurement instruments that can be employed to measure various objects such as the height of a person, the length of a tree, or the dimensions of a sheet of paper. Below are some examples of tools that can be utilized for measuring different lengths:
Steel Rulers
Steel rulers are among the most commonly used tools for precise length measurement. These rulers feature marked measurements along their edges, and some may have scales on both sides. They are utilized across various educational levels, from elementary schools to universities, offices, and in various projects, particularly in engineering, construction, printing, and architectural design.
Steel rulers are particularly suitable for various work projects due to their durability and high accuracy in providing measurements. Their ends are resistant to breakage and their rigidity allows them to be used not only for measurement but also for drawing straight lines or cutting paper.
Manufactured from various metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, or carbon steel, the price of steel rulers can vary depending on their manufacturing process, which affects their precision. Some rulers are cut from a long metal piece with required lengths and then graduated, making them the most common and cost-effective options. In contrast, higher-priced rulers are made from stronger metal pieces, with graduated markings created using specialized machinery, providing deeper and longer-lasting markings that are easily readable in low light conditions.
Measuring Tape
Measuring tapes are widely used for sewing purposes. This long, flexible, and bendable strip is typically made from polyester and has clear graduations in inches or centimeters. Measuring tapes can take various body measurements, measure fabric lengths, and define clothing sizes, as well as measure curves and various angles.
Short Steel Tape Measure
This instrument resembles a flexible ruler and is employed for measuring distances and lengths, commonly found in many settings. Comprised of a long, flexible metallic blade marked with required measurements and ending with a hook, the blade is housed within a case that includes a stop button, a belt clip, and a hand strap. This design allows for the measurement of long distances or areas around curves and angles easily.
One notable feature is the reinforced tip designed to resist bending, even if intentionally folded. The unit is made of heat-resistant metal, ensuring prolonged usability. The stop button aids in taking accurate readings, while the hook at the beginning of the tape helps prevent bending during measurement.
Wooden Meter Stick
The wooden meter stick is utilized for measuring long distances that cannot be captured with a standard ruler. Typically extending about one meter in length, this stick is graduated using three scales: millimeters, centimeters, and meters, making it versatile for various applications.
Weight Measurement Instruments
Weight measurement instruments are used to gauge the weight of objects, including humans and animals. Below are some essential weight-measuring tools:
Digital Electronic Scale
The digital electronic scale is designed for accurately measuring the weight of various objects. It is crucial to place the scale on a level surface for optimal performance and accurate readings. When an object is placed on the scale, its weight alters the internal pressure, translating into a numerical readout on the display. Digital scales are commonly used for measuring human weight or assessing pets in veterinary clinics.
Kitchen scales, a variant of the electronic scale, provide precise measurements for different ingredients, ensuring accurate culinary preparations. Some advanced models can convert units such as grams to ounces and provide nutritional information such as calorie counts, fat levels, sugars, and more.
Sensitive Two-Arms Scale
This scale is specifically designed for measuring small weights and masses, such as those of precious metals and various chemicals.
Voltage and Current Measurement Instruments
Electric current refers to the flow of electric charge within a circuit, while electrical voltage is the force required for current to move from one point to another. The most common devices used to measure voltage and current include:
Ammeter
An ammeter serves to measure both direct and alternating electric current. Ammeters can gauge electrical currents across a wide range but can differ in operational mechanism and precision. With advancements in technology, the ammeter has evolved into a multimeter that can measure multiple electrical currents simultaneously.
When using an ammeter, it must be placed within a closed electrical circuit without affecting the circuit’s performance. Prior to operating the ammeter, it is essential to ensure correct placement within the circuit to avoid erroneous readings.
Voltmeter
To measure electrical voltage, voltmeters are employed, which gauge the voltage of direct or alternating currents by measuring the electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit while ensuring that the current value remains unchanged during measurement.
Voltmeters can be graduated in volts, millivolts, or kilovolts. Among the various types available, digital voltmeters stand out for their superior accuracy in voltage readings.
Angle Measurement Instruments
Angles are defined as the point formed by the intersection of two perpendicular lines, with their values calculated using angle measurement instruments, including:
Adjustable Combination Square Right Angle Ruler
This tool enables the measurement of angles other than 90 degrees. It allows for the determination of various dimensions due to its multiple measurement graduations, assisting in distance calculations and surface thickness determinations.
Set Square
The set square consists of two straight edges joined at a right angle. Often used by carpenters, this tool ensures precise right angles and facilitates line drawing and hole location marking before cutting.
Adjustable T-Bevel Sliding Angle Ruler
This instrument is designed for adjusting, transferring, and comparing angles directly with a protractor, often used in carpentry and tile cutting tasks.
Tilt Angle Measurement Instruments
Tools for measuring tilt angles serve to discern the angle between the horizontal plane and a reference surface. The primary tool for such measurements is the water level, detailed below:
Spirit Level
Commonly known as a bubble level, a spirit level is a sealed glass tube containing alcohol and a single air bubble. Initially utilized in telescopes and surveying instruments, it has become indispensable in carpentry.
Water levels indicate the evenness of surfaces, both horizontally and vertically, relative to the ground. When the air bubble rests in the center of the tube, it signifies that the surface is level.
To use a spirit level, clean the surface intended for measurement, then place the spirit level on it, waiting for the air bubble to stabilize. If the bubble centers, it confirms that the surface is level; if it tilts to the right, the surface slopes slightly to the left, and vice versa. Marking the bubble’s position can help to identify the exact location of any slope.
The range of measuring tools available for various applications is extensive. They vary from length measurement tools such as rulers and tapes, to weight measurement instruments like digital scales and sensitive balances. Moreover, advancements in technology have led to the creation of tools measuring previously unknown parameters such as electrical current, voltage, tilt angles, and various angles, each possessing unique features as well as differing levels of precision.