When the outside micrometer spindle is rotated one full revolution, how far does the spindle advance or recede?

The spindle of an outside micrometer is designed with a screw mechanism that advances or recedes a specific amount with each full revolution. Typically, in a standard micrometer, one full turn of the screw corresponds to an advancement of 0.025 inches. This design allows for precise measurements since the micrometer is often used to measure objects in small increments.

The movement of the spindle can be attributed to the thread pitch of the screw. For most outside micrometers, the screw is calibrated so that each complete rotation precisely moves the spindle by one-quarter thousandth of an inch, which is equal to 0.025 inches. This is crucial for machinist applications where precision is key.

Consequently, the correct answer is 0.025 inches, reflecting the standard function of micrometer screws and ensuring accurate measurement in manufacturing and engineering fields.