Scientific devices are tools that have been designed to measure, analyze and/or manipulate various natural phenomena. These devices have become an integral part of our daily lives, from measuring the temperature with a thermometer to using a microscope to view tiny objects. Some other examples of scientific devices used in daily life include a compass, which helps us find directions, and a calculator, which helps us perform complex mathematical calculations with ease. Another common scientific device used in daily life is the weighing scale, which helps us measure weight accurately. Overall, scientific devices have made our lives easier and more convenient by providing us with accurate measurements and information.
- Refrigerator (1850): James Hanson and Alexander Catlin Significance: The refrigerator has revolutionized food preservation and made it possible to store perishable goods for longer periods. This invention has had a profound impact on public health and has made it possible to transport food over long distances.
- Air Conditioning (1902): Willis Carrier Significance: Air conditioning has made it possible to control indoor temperature and humidity levels, making living and working in hot and humid climates more comfortable. It has also helped to improve indoor air quality and has been a major factor in the growth of industries like healthcare, hospitality, and entertainment.
- Radio (1895): Guglielmo Marconi Significance: The radio has made it possible to broadcast news, music, and other forms of entertainment over long distances, transforming the way people receive information and connect with each other. It has also been a major factor in the development of industries like advertising and journalism.
- Jet Engine (1930s): Frank Whittle and Hans von Ohain Significance: The jet engine has made air travel faster and more efficient, reducing travel times and making it possible to reach destinations that were previously inaccessible. It has also been a major factor in the growth of industries like tourism and international trade.
- GPS (1973): Ivan Getting and Bradford Parkinson Significance: GPS has revolutionized navigation and made it possible to track and locate objects with great accuracy. It has been a major factor in the growth of industries like logistics, transportation, and emergency services.
- Microwave Oven (1945): Percy Spencer
Significance: The microwave oven has revolutionized the way we cook and heat food. It has made it possible to prepare meals quickly and easily, saving time and effort in the kitchen. - MRI Machine (1977): Raymond Damadian
Significance: The MRI machine has revolutionized medical diagnostics and made it possible to see inside the human body with great detail. It has been a major factor in the diagnosis and treatment of many medical conditions. - Personal Computer (1975): Ed Roberts
Significance: The personal computer has transformed the way we work, learn, and communicate. It has made it possible for individuals to have access to computing power and has led to the development of many new industries and businesses. - LED (1962): Nick Holonyak
Significance: The LED has revolutionized lighting and made it possible to produce efficient, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly light sources. It has been a major factor in the development of industries like lighting, electronics, and telecommunications. - 3D Printing (1986): Chuck Hull
Significance: 3D printing has revolutionized manufacturing and made it possible to produce complex objects quickly and easily. It has been a major factor in the growth of industries like aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. - Waterproof Rubber: In 1823, Scottish chemist Charles Macintosh discovered a method for waterproofing fabrics by coating them with a solution of rubber in naphtha. This led to the creation of the world's first raincoat, which Macintosh called the "Mackintosh" in his honor.
- Pressure Cooker: In 1679, French physicist and mathematician Denis Papin invented the pressure cooker, which is a sealed pot that uses steam pressure to cook food quickly. The device was initially used to help extract fat from bones, but it became popular for cooking food in the early 1900s.
- Plastic: In 1862, English chemist Alexander Parkes created the first man-made plastic called Parkesine, which was made from cellulose. This material was used to make a variety of items, including buttons, combs, and even jewelry.
- Terylene: In 1941, British chemists Whinfield and Dickson developed Terylene, which is a type of polyester. This synthetic fiber is strong, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to care for, which makes it a popular material for clothing, upholstery, and other applications.
- Telegraph (mechanical): In 1787, French engineer Monsieur Lomond invented a mechanical telegraph system that used rotating arms to transmit messages over long distances. This technology was later improved upon by other inventors, including Samuel Morse.
- Telegraph Code: In 1837, American inventor Samuel Morse developed the Morse code, which is a system of dots and dashes used to transmit messages over long distances via telegraph. This code was widely used for over 100 years and is still used today in certain applications.
- Film (Without Audio): In 1855, French inventor Louis Le Prince created the world's first successful motion picture film by using a single-lens camera to record a series of still images onto a roll of paper film. This invention paved the way for the development of the modern movie industry.
- Film (With Audio): In 1922, American inventors Jay Musoli and Hans Vogt developed a system for synchronizing sound with motion pictures, which allowed movies to have synchronized sound for the first time. This technology was improved upon by other inventors and eventually led to the development of the modern sound movie industry.
- Mechanical Lift: In 1852, American inventor Elisha Otis developed a safety device for elevators that prevented them from falling if the hoisting cable broke. This innovation allowed for the development of taller buildings and safer transportation systems.
- Razor (Electrical): In 1931, American inventor Jacob Schick developed the first electric razor, which allowed men to shave quickly and easily without the need for water or shaving cream.
- Razor (Safety): In 1850, American businessman King Gillette invented the safety razor, which was a significant improvement over the straight razor. The safety razor was much easier and safer to use, and it quickly became popular with men around the world.
- Electric Fan: In 1882, American engineer Schuyler Wheeler invented the first electric fan, which used a motor to power a rotating blade that produced a breeze. This invention was a significant improvement over previous fan designs, which were powered by hand or steam.
- Washing Machine: In 1907, American inventor Alva J. Fisher developed the first electric washing machine, which used a motor to power a drum that agitated water and detergent to clean clothes. This innovation greatly improved the efficiency and convenience of doing laundry.
- Sewing Machine (Chain Stitch) 1841 Barthelemy Thimonnier In 1841, Barthelemy Thimonnier invented the sewing machine that was capable of stitching with a chain stitch. The machine used a hooked needle that pulled a loop of thread through the fabric, creating a chain of interlocking stitches. Thimonnier's invention revolutionized the textile industry and made sewing faster and more efficient.
- Sewing Machine (Lock Stitch) 1846 Elias Howe Elias Howe invented the lock-stitch sewing machine in 1846. The machine used two threads to create a strong, interlocking stitch that was more durable than the chain stitch used in earlier machines. Howe's invention made sewing even faster and more efficient and became the basis for modern sewing machines.
- TV (Mechanical) 1926 J. L. Baird In 1926, J.L. Baird demonstrated the world's first television system that used mechanical scanning. The system used a spinning disk with holes that scanned a scene, transmitting the information to a receiver that reproduced the image on a screen. Though mechanical TV systems were eventually replaced by electronic ones, Baird's invention was a significant step forward in the development of television.
- TV (Electronic) 1927 P. T. Farnsworth In 1927, Philo Farnsworth developed the first fully electronic television system, which used a cathode ray tube to display images on a screen. The system used a series of electronic components to capture and transmit images, making it much more efficient and reliable than earlier mechanical systems. Farnsworth's invention is the basis for all modern televisions.
- Typewriter 1867 Christopher L. Sholes Christopher Latham Sholes invented the typewriter in 1867. His machine used a keyboard to imprint characters onto paper through a ribbon that transferred ink from a typeface to the page. The invention revolutionized writing and communication, making it faster and easier to produce documents.
- Telephone 1876 Alexander Graham Bell In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, which transmitted sound over long distances using electric signals. His invention revolutionized communication and allowed people to speak to each other over long distances for the first time.
- Thermos Flask 1892 James Dever James Dewar invented the thermos flask in 1892. The flask used a double-walled container with a vacuum between the walls to prevent heat transfer, keeping liquids hot or cold for extended periods. His invention was a significant advance in the storage and transportation of food and beverages.
- Thermometer (Mercury) 1714 Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit In 1714, Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit invented the mercury thermometer. His device used mercury to measure temperature changes and was much more accurate than earlier thermometers that relied on air pressure or water displacement.
- Nylon 1937 Wallace Carothers Wallace Carothers invented Nylon, a synthetic polymer, in 1937. Nylon is a strong, durable material that is used in a variety of applications, including clothing, carpets, and industrial products. Carothers' invention revolutionized the synthetic materials industry.
- Penicillin 1928 Alexander Fleming Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928. Penicillin is an antibiotic that kills harmful bacteria and is used to treat a wide range of infections. Fleming's discovery revolutionized medicine and has saved countless lives.
- Motorcycle: The first gasoline-powered motorcycle was invented in 1885 by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, two German engineers working in Stuttgart. The motorcycle, known as the "Daimler Reitwagen," had a wooden frame and was powered by a one-cylinder, four-stroke engine.
- Tractor: John Froelich, an American inventor, built the first successful gasoline-powered tractor in 1892. His tractor was powered by a two-cylinder gasoline engine and was designed to replace horses on farms.
- Diesel Engine: Rudolf Diesel, a German engineer, invented the diesel engine in 1895. The diesel engine is named after Diesel because he was the first to develop an efficient engine that used compression ignition instead of a spark.
- Steam Engine (Condenser): James Watt, a Scottish inventor, developed the condenser for the steam engine in 1769. The condenser was a major improvement for the steam engine because it allowed the engine to run more efficiently and use less fuel.
- Steam Engine (Piston): The first practical steam engine was developed by Thomas Newcomen, an English inventor, in 1712. Newcomen's steam engine used a piston to pump water out of coal mines.
- Helicopter (Typical): In 1784, two French inventors, Launoy and Bienvenu, built a model of a helicopter that was powered by two rotors that were turned by winding a spring. This design was not practical for manned flight but demonstrated the basic principles of rotary-wing aircraft.
- Helicopter (Manned): In 1905, E. R. Mumford, an American inventor, built and flew the first manned helicopter. Mumford's helicopter was powered by a gasoline engine and had two rotors that were turned by chains and sprockets.
- Harvesting Machine: Samuel Crompton, an English inventor, developed the first successful harvesting machine in 1779. Crompton's machine was called the "gleaner" and was designed to harvest grain from fields.
- Electric Battery: In 1800, Alessandro Volta invented the first modern electric battery. He used plates of zinc and copper separated by pieces of cardboard soaked in saltwater to create a device that produced a steady flow of electricity.
- Safety Pin: In 1849, Walter Hunt invented the safety pin. The simple yet effective design allowed for a pin that could be easily opened and closed without pricking the user.
- Bicycle: In 1839-40, Kirkpatrick MacMillan invented the first bicycle. His design had pedals attached directly to the front wheel, and the rider propelled the bike by pushing their feet against the ground.
- Bicycle Tire: In 1888, John Boyd Dunlop invented the pneumatic bicycle tire. His design used an air-filled tube that provided a more comfortable and efficient ride compared to solid rubber tires.
- Scooter: In 1919, G. Bradshaw invented the scooter. His design was a simple and lightweight vehicle with a platform for the rider's feet and a handlebar for steering.
- Petrol Car: In 1888, Karl Benz invented the first petrol-powered automobile. His design included a lightweight internal combustion engine, a chassis with four wheels, and a steering mechanism.
- Carburetor: In 1876, Gottlieb Daimler invented the carburetor. This device mixes air and fuel to create a combustible mixture that powers the engine of a gasoline-powered vehicle.
- Diesel Engine: In 1895, Rudolf Diesel invented the diesel engine. His design used compression to ignite fuel, making it more efficient than other internal combustion engines.
- Ship (Steam): In 1775, J. C. Perrier invented the first steam-powered ship. His design used a steam engine to turn a paddle wheel, propelling the ship through the water.
- Ship (Turbine): In 1894, Sir C. Parsons invented the first steam turbine-powered ship. His design used high-pressure steam to turn a turbine, which then turned the propeller, making it faster and more efficient than previous steam-powered ships.
- Submarine: In 1776, David Bushnell invented the first submarine. His design used hand-powered propellers to navigate underwater, and it was used during the American Revolution to attach explosive devices to British ships.
- Ball Point Pen: Invented by John J. Loud in 1888, the ballpoint pen has revolutionized the way people write. Unlike fountain pens, which use ink that can smudge, ballpoint pens use a small ball bearing to distribute ink, making them more reliable and long-lasting.
- Mechanical Clock: The mechanical clock was invented in 1725 by I Hsing and Lang Ting Tsan. It was the first clock that did not rely on the movement of the sun, and instead used a pendulum to keep time. This invention revolutionized timekeeping, making it more accurate and reliable.
- Pendulum Clock: Invented by Christiaan Huygens in 1656, the pendulum clock was the first clock that could keep time accurately to within seconds. It works by using a pendulum to regulate the movement of the clock's gears, making it one of the most reliable timekeeping devices of its time.
- Electric Lamp: Thomas Alva Edison invented the electric lamp in 1879. This invention was a major breakthrough in the field of lighting, as it provided a more efficient and longer-lasting alternative to gas lamps. Edison's lamp used a carbon filament, which glowed when an electrical current was passed through it.
- Electric Bulb: Invented by Thomas Alva Edison in 1876, the electric bulb was one of the most important inventions of the 19th century. It uses a filament, usually made of tungsten, that is heated to produce light when an electric current is passed through it. Edison's invention paved the way for modern lighting systems.
- Neon Lamp: The neon lamp was invented by George Clyde in 1910. It uses a gas-filled tube that is electrified to produce a bright, colorful light. Neon lamps are used in a variety of applications, including signs and displays.
- Fountain Pen: Lewis Edson Waterman invented the fountain pen in 1884. Unlike earlier pens, which required frequent dipping in ink, fountain pens use a reservoir that holds enough ink to write for extended periods. This invention made writing more convenient and less messy.
- Gramophone: Thomas Alva Edison invented the gramophone in 1878. This device uses a rotating disc that is engraved with sound waves, which are then amplified and played through a horn. The gramophone revolutionized the way people listened to music, making it more accessible and portable.
- Matchbox: Invented by John Walker in 1826, the matchbox revolutionized the way people start fires. Prior to this invention, people relied on flint and steel to start fires, which was often a difficult and time-consuming process. Walker's invention made starting fires much easier and more convenient.
- Fridge: James Hanson and Alexander Catlin invented the fridge in 1850. This invention uses a compressor to circulate a refrigerant, which cools the interior of the fridge. This allowed people to store food for longer periods, making it easier to preserve and transport perishable goods.
A Summary of Inventions
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Airplane 1903 Wright brothers
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Telephone 1876 Alexander Graham Bell
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Television 1927 Philo Farnsworth
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Radio 1895 Guglielmo Marconi
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Computer 1837 Charles Babbage
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Internet 1960s Leonard Kleinrock, J.C.R. Licklider, and Robert Taylor
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Light Bulb 1879 Thomas Edison
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Printing Press 1440 Johannes Gutenberg
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Steam Engine 1712 Thomas Newcomen
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Camera 1816 Joseph Nicéphore Niépce
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X-Ray 1895 Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen
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Microwave Oven 1945 Percy Spencer
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Velcro 1948 George de Mestral
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Zipper 1913 Gideon Sundback
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Postage Stamp 1840 Sir Rowland Hill
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Solar Cell 1954 Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller, and Gerald Pearson
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Jet Engine 1930 Frank Whittle
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Air Conditioning 1902 Willis Carrier
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GPS 1978 Roger L. Easton
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Barcode 1952 Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver
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ATM 1967 John Shepherd-Barron
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Walkie-Talkie 1940 Don L. Mitchell and engineering teams at Motorola
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Digital Camera 1975 Steve Sasson
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Calculator 1642 Blaise Pascal
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Transistor 1947 John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley
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Laser 1960 Theodore Maiman
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Microscope 1595 Zacharias Janssen and Hans Lippershey
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Phonograph 1877 Thomas Edison
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Digital Watch 1972 Hamilton Watch Company
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Pacemaker 1950 Wilson Greatbatch
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Artificial Heart 1982 Robert Jarvik
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Radar 1935 Sir Robert Watson-Watt
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MRI 1977 Raymond Damadian
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Fiber Optics 1952 Narinder Singh Kapany
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Ultrasound 1949 George William Lewis
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Microwave 1946 Percy Spencer
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Water Turbine 1827 James B. Francis
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Stethoscope 1816 Rene Laennec
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Dynamite 1867 Alfred Nobel
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Post-It Note 1968 Spencer Silver and Arthur Fry
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Paper Clip 1899 Johan Vaaler
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Disposable Diaper 1942 Marion Donovan
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Safety Razor 1901 King Camp Gillette
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Traffic Light 1868 J.P. Knight
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Automatic Transmission 1921 Alfred Horner Munro
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Hovercraft 1959 Christopher Cockerell
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Helicopter 1939 Igor Sikorsky
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Cellophane 1908 Jacques E. Brandenberger
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Vending Machine 1883 Percival Everitt
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Ballistic Missile 1942 Wernher von Braun
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Solar-powered Car 1955 William G. Cobb
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Hearing Aid 1898 Miller Reese Hutchison
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Wind Turbine 1888 Charles F. Brush
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Remote Control 1955 Eugene Polley
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Tampon 1933 Earle Haas
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Lawn Mower 1830 Edwin Budding
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Diesel Generator 1892 Rudolf Diesel
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Digital Music Player 1997 SaeHan Information Systems and Kane Kramer
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Smart Phone 1992 IBM Simon
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Electric Guitar 1931 Adolph Rickenbacker and George Beauchamp.
Exercise -1
- Which device is used to measure atmospheric pressure?
a) Thermometer
b) Barometer
c) Anemometer
d) Hygrometer - Which instrument is used to measure the electric current flowing in a circuit?
a) Voltmeter
b) Ammeter
c) Ohmmeter
d) Multimeter - What device is used to measure the mass of an object?
a) Barometer
b) Hygrometer
c) Thermometer
d) Balance - Which instrument is used to measure the temperature of an object without physically touching it?
a) Thermocouple
b) Infrared thermometer
c) Bimetallic thermometer
d) Mercury thermometer - What instrument is used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution?
a) pH meter
b) Refractometer
c) Spectrophotometer
d) Thermometer - Which device is used to measure the intensity of light?
a) Spectroscope
b) Photometer
c) Microscope
d) Telescope - What instrument is used to measure the frequency of sound waves?
a) Oscilloscope
b) Spectrometer
c) Audiometer
d) Decibel meter - Which device is used to measure the electric potential difference between two points in a circuit?
a) Voltmeter
b) Ammeter
c) Ohmmeter
d) Multimeter - What instrument is used to measure the angle between two lines or planes?
a) Altimeter
b) Sextant
c) Protractor
d) Theodolite - Which instrument is used to measure the speed of an object in motion?
a) Tachometer
b) Barometer
c) Anemometer
d) Thermometer
answers:
- B - Beaker
- D - Micropipette
- C - Centrifuge
- A - Bunsen burner
- C - Spectrophotometer
- B - pH meter
- A - Autoclave
- D - Incubator
- A - Thermocycler
- B - Balance
Exercise -2
- Which of the following scientific devices is used to measure temperature?
a) Voltmeter
b) Thermometer
c) Barometer
d) Spectrophotometer
Answer: b) Thermometer - What is the function of a spectrophotometer?
a) To measure temperature
b) To measure pressure
c) To measure light absorption
d) To measure weight
Answer: c) To measure light absorption - What is the function of a calorimeter?
a) To measure heat
b) To measure pressure
c) To measure mass
d) To measure volume
Answer: a) To measure heat - Which of the following devices is used to measure atmospheric pressure?
a) Thermometer
b) Barometer
c) Hygrometer
d) Manometer
Answer: b) Barometer - Which of the following devices is used to measure the pH of a solution?
a) Thermometer
b) Barometer
c) Spectrophotometer
d) pH meter
Answer: d) pH meter - Which of the following devices is used to measure the force applied to an object?
a) Thermometer
b) Manometer
c) Dynamometer
d) Barometer
Answer: c) Dynamometer - What is the function of an oscilloscope?
a) To measure sound frequency
b) To measure electrical signals
c) To measure temperature
d) To measure light intensity
Answer: b) To measure electrical signals - Which of the following devices is used to measure the humidity of the air?
a) Barometer
b) Thermometer
c) Hygrometer
d) Manometer
Answer: c) Hygrometer - Which of the following devices is used to measure the volume of a liquid?
a) Barometer
b) Thermometer
c) Spectrophotometer
d) Graduated cylinder
Answer: d) Graduated cylinder - What is the function of a centrifuge?
a) To measure pressure
b) To measure the mass of a substance
c) To separate components of a mixture
d) To measure temperature
Answer: c) To separate components of a mixture
Exercise -2
- Which scientific device is used to measure atmospheric pressure?
A) Barometer
B) Thermometer
C) Hygrometer
D) Anemometer
Answer: A) Barometer - What is the function of a spectrophotometer?
A) To measure the amount of light that passes through a sample
B) To measure the amount of heat generated by a chemical reaction
C) To measure the pH of a solution
D) To measure the viscosity of a liquid
Answer: A) To measure the amount of light that passes through a sample - Which scientific device is used to determine the mass of an object?
A) Spectrophotometer
B) Microscope
C) Balance
D) Spectrometer
Answer: C) Balance - What is the function of a calorimeter?
A) To measure the temperature of a solution
B) To measure the heat of a chemical reaction
C) To measure the amount of light absorbed by a sample
D) To measure the density of a liquid
Answer: B) To measure the heat of a chemical reaction - Which scientific device is used to measure the intensity of an earthquake?
A) Seismograph
B) Sonar
C) Microscope
D) Telescope
Answer: A) Seismograph - What is the function of a pH meter?
A) To measure the amount of light absorbed by a sample
B) To measure the temperature of a solution
C) To measure the pH of a solution
D) To measure the viscosity of a liquid
Answer: C) To measure the pH of a solution - Which scientific device is used to measure the electric current flowing through a circuit?
A) Microscope
B) Voltmeter
C) Ammeter
D) Galvanometer
Answer: C) Ammeter - What is the function of an oscilloscope?
A) To measure the intensity of an earthquake
B) To measure the electric current flowing through a circuit
C) To measure the frequency and amplitude of electrical signals
D) To measure the temperature of a solution
Answer: C) To measure the frequency and amplitude of electrical signals - Which scientific device is used to measure the distance between two points on a map?
A) Microscope
B) Telescope
C) Ruler
D) Compass
Answer: C) Ruler - What is the function of a centrifuge?
A) To measure the temperature of a solution
B) To separate different components of a mixture based on their density
C) To measure the electric current flowing through a circuit
D) To measure the frequency and amplitude of electrical signals
Answer: B) To separate different components of a mixture based on their density
