Question 4 QMED05 - Machinist-Pump Technician

To measure the diameter of a piece of round stock, you should use a __________.

A circular slide rule
B wire gauge
C dial indicator
D micrometer
AI Explanation

The Correct Answer is D **Why option D ("micrometer") is correct:** A micrometer (often called a "mike") is a precision measuring tool specifically designed to measure external dimensions, such as the diameter of a shaft, rod, or piece of round stock. It offers high accuracy (typically within 0.001 inch or 0.01 mm), making it the standard instrument used in machining and manufacturing trades for precise diameter measurements. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) circular slide rule:** A slide rule is a mechanical analog calculator used for mathematical calculations (multiplication, division, etc.). It is not a physical measuring instrument used to determine dimensions like diameter. * **B) wire gauge:** A wire gauge is a tool used to measure the thickness of wire or sheet metal, but it typically provides measurements in specific gauge numbers (e.g., AWG) or in discrete steps, and it is generally less precise than a micrometer for measuring the diameter of solid stock. * **C) dial indicator:** A dial indicator (or dial test indicator) is a comparison tool used to measure small linear distances or variations in surfaces, often to check runout, flatness, or concentricity. It must be mounted on a stand or fixture and measures relative displacement, not the absolute diameter of a piece of stock.

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