General Description

This JavaScript app simulates a micrometer screw gauge used to measure the external dimensions of a rectangular object.

The green object is positioned between the anvil and spindle. Learners can drag the object and adjust its size, then operate the micrometer to measure its width.

Visual Elements

Frame: The C-shaped body that holds the anvil and sleeve in a fixed position. Its rigid construction minimizes expansion, contraction, and deformation that could affect the measurement. Labels such as “0.01 mm” and “2 rotations = 100 divisions = 1.00 mm” help learners connect the simulation to the operation of an actual micrometer.
Anvil: The fixed, polished measuring surface against which the object rests.
Sleeve (barrel or stock): The stationary cylindrical part bearing the main linear scale.
Lock nut (lock ring or thimble lock): Holds the spindle in position so that a reading can be taken without changing the measurement.
Screw: The internal mechanism at the heart of the micrometer. It converts the rotation of the thimble into the linear movement of the spindle.
Spindle: The movable, polished cylindrical measuring surface that advances towards the anvil.
Thimble: The rotating part operated by the thumb and fingers. Its graduated scale is used together with the sleeve scale to obtain the measurement.
Ratchet: The device at the end of the micrometer that limits the applied measuring force by slipping when the calibrated torque is reached.
Fine-control arrows: Allow learners to move the spindle in precise, single-step increments.
Measurement display: The micrometer provides readings to the nearest 0.01 mm.

Controls

Learning mode: Choose Explore, Practice, or Challenge. Learners can also request the next guided hint, lock or unlock the spindle, or begin a new challenge.
Zero error: Select a positive or negative zero error in millimetres. In Challenge mode, the zero error is randomized.
Play: Starts the automatic movement of the micrometer spindle.
Reset: Returns the simulation to its default state.
New Challenge: Generates a new object measurement and zero error.
Answer input: Switch between selecting an answer from a list and entering the reading as text.
Check: After selecting or entering a reading, press Check to receive feedback.
Full-screen mode: Double-click or double-tap the screen to enter full-screen mode. This is particularly useful on mobile devices.
Reposition: Drag the simulation to reposition it on the screen.
Zoom: Pinch in or out to examine the micrometer scales more closely.
Menu: Show or hide the control panel.

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