Introduction
An intensive property is a physical property of a system that is independent of the amount of material present. Intensive properties are used to describe or characterize the physical or chemical state of a system, such as its temperature, pressure, density, or electrical conductivity. To measure an intensive property, a variety of instruments are available. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common instruments used for measuring intensive properties.
Thermometers
Thermometers are the most commonly used instruments for measuring temperature. A thermometer is a device that measures temperature by detecting the change in temperature of a material. The most common type of thermometer is the liquid-in-glass thermometer, which uses a liquid, usually mercury or alcohol, inside a glass tube that expands or contracts as the temperature changes. Digital thermometers are also available, which use electronic components to measure temperature.
Barometers
Barometers are instruments used to measure atmospheric pressure. The most common type of barometer is the mercury barometer, which uses a column of mercury inside a glass tube to measure the pressure. The height of the column of mercury is an indication of the atmospheric pressure. Digital barometers are also available, which use electronic components to measure pressure.
Hydrometers
Hydrometers are devices used to measure the density of a liquid. In a hydrometer, a specific gravity scale is used, which is a measure of the density of the liquid relative to the density of water. A hydrometer is usually a glass tube with a weighted bottom that is submerged in the liquid. The depth to which the hydrometer sinks indicates the density of the liquid.
Atmospheric Pressure Gauges
Atmospheric pressure gauges are instruments used to measure the atmospheric pressure in a given environment. Most pressure gauges use a Bourdon tube to measure the pressure, which is a curved tube with a sealed end. The pressure in the environment causes the tube to expand or contract, which is then measured by the gauge.
Voltmeters and Ammeters
Voltmeters and ammeters are instruments used to measure electrical current or voltage. Voltmeters measure the voltage in a circuit, while ammeters measure the current in a circuit. These instruments usually consist of a coil connected to a pointer, which is then calibrated to indicate the voltage or current in the circuit. Digital versions are also available, which use electronic components to measure the voltage or current.
Refractometers
Refractometers are instruments used to measure the refractive index of a material. The refractive index is the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in a material. Refractometers use a light source, usually a laser, to measure the angle of refraction of the material, which is then used to calculate the refractive index.
Salinometers
Salinometers are instruments used to measure the salinity of a solution. Salinity is a measure of the amount of dissolved salt in a solution. Salinometers usually use an electrical conductivity probe to measure the salinity of the solution. The electrical conductivity of the solution is then compared to a known calibrated solution to determine its salinity.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed some of the most common instruments used to measure intensive properties such as temperature, pressure, density, and electrical conductivity. Each instrument has its own specific use and is designed to measure a particular intensive property. It is important to understand the types of instruments available and how they work in order to properly measure an intensive property.
