A Level Physics Practice Exam

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Study for the A Level Physics Exam. Our quiz features flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

Which instrument is used to measure the diameter of a wire?

Caliper
Ruler
Micrometer
Thermometer

The correct answer is: Micrometer

The micrometer is particularly designed for measuring small dimensions with high precision, making it ideal for measuring the diameter of a wire. It has a screw mechanism that allows it to advance very slightly, enabling the user to measure dimensions down to fractions of a millimeter or even micrometers. This level of accuracy is crucial when dealing with thin wires where minute differences can be significant. Other instruments like calipers and rulers can measure dimensions but lack the fine resolution that a micrometer offers. A caliper is useful for reasonably accurate measurements of larger objects, but it may not provide the precision required for very thin wires. A ruler is suitable for basic measurements over longer lengths but would be inadequate for precise measurements needed for something as small as a wire's diameter. A thermometer is unrelated to measuring physical dimensions, as it measures temperature rather than size. Therefore, the micrometer stands out as the best choice for the specific task of measuring the diameter of a wire accurately.