PYCNOMETER Meaning and
Definition
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A pycnometer is a specialized instrument primarily used in scientific laboratories for determining the density of liquids or solids. It typically consists of a small, airtight glass or metal container with a precise volume known as the "bulb" or "body" of the pycnometer. The container may have a tight-fitting stopper or cap to prevent any leakage or evaporation.
To measure the density of a liquid or solid, the pycnometer is first weighed when empty. Then, a known volume of the substance is added to the container, either by pouring in the liquid or by filling it with solid material. After carefully removing any excess material, the pycnometer is weighed again, and the difference in weight is determined.
Using this information, the density of the substance can be calculated by dividing the mass of the substance by its volume. This calculation allows scientists to accurately determine the density of liquids and solids, which is often an important property for various scientific, technological, and industrial applications.
Pycnometers are often made of materials with a low coefficient of expansion, such as borosilicate glass or stainless steel, to minimize any inaccuracies caused by temperature differences. Moreover, they are typically designed with high precision and accuracy to ensure precise density measurements.
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An instrument for determining the specific gravity of any substance.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PYCNOMETER
Etymology of PYCNOMETER
The word "pycnometer" is derived from the Greek words "pyknos", meaning "dense", and "metron", meaning "measure". The term was coined by the French chemist Jean Baptiste Biot in 1817 to refer to a device used for measuring the density of liquids or solids. The pycnometer is an essential instrument in many scientific disciplines, including chemistry, materials science, and geology.
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