In a Vernier calipers, when both jaws touch each other, zero of the Vernier scale is shifted to the right of zero of the main scale and $7^{\text{th}}$ Vernier division coincides with a main scale reading. If the value of 1 main scale division is 1 mm and there are 10 Vernier scale divisions, then the Vernier caliper has

(C) 0.07 cm positive zero error

(A) 0.07 cm negative zero error

JEE Main · 2026 · 05 Apr 2026 · Shift 1 · Units & Measurement

In a Vernier calipers, when both jaws touch each other, zero of the Vernier scale is shifted to the right of zero of the main scale and

7^{th}

Vernier division coincides with a main scale reading. If the value of 1 main scale division is 1 mm and there are 10 Vernier scale divisions, then the Vernier caliper has

(A)0.07 cm negative zero error
(B)0.7 cm negative zero error
(C)0.07 cm positive zero error✓ Correct
(D)0.7 cm positive zero error

Answer: (C)

Solution

The least count is

\frac{1 MSD}{number of VSD} = \frac{1 mm}{10} = 0.1 mm

. With the jaws touching, the Vernier zero sits to the right of the main-scale zero, which is a positive zero error, and its

7^{th}

division coincides with a main-scale mark. The error is

7 \times least count = 7 \times 0.1 = 0.7 mm = 0.07 cm

. The instrument has a positive zero error of

0.07

cm.

JEE Main · 2026 · 05 Apr 2026 · Shift 1 · Single correct option

Practise more: all JEE Main PYQs on Units & Measurement →

JEE Main · 2026 · 05 Apr 2026 · Shift 1 · Units & Measurement

Solution

More JEE Main questions on Units & Measurement