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Important Scientific Instruments and Their Uses
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 25th, 2023
Scientific instruments are the tools that enable scientists to measure, observe, and analyze various aspects of the natural world. For SSC exam preparation, it is essential to have a basic understanding of the different types of scientific instruments and their uses. Questions related to scientific instruments and their applications are commonly asked in SSC exams, especially in subjects such as physics, chemistry, and biology. Therefore, it is important to study and familiarize oneself with the various scientific instruments and their applications in different fields.
This article will provide an overview of some of the commonly used scientific instruments and their usage. Additionally, you can download the scientific instrument PDF which mentions the comprehensive list of scientific instruments. The post is very helpful for the upcoming SSC CGL, CHSL and MTS exams.
Table of content
Scientific Instruments and their Uses
Scientific instruments are devices or tools used in scientific research, experimentation, or observation. They are designed to measure, analyze, or manipulate different aspects of the natural world. In SSC exams, questions related to scientific instruments and their uses are quite common. Therefore, it is important to have a basic understanding of the different types of scientific instruments and their uses.
List of Scientific Instruments
The table given below enlists important scientific instruments that are being used in day-to-day life or in the field of science. You must have read about them in subjects like Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In this list of scientific instruments, we have incorporated most of the instruments that are frequently asked in the govt exams. Students are advised to learn them by heart to perform well as it is one of the favourite topics of the examiner when it comes to exams such as CGL and CHSL. Let us go through scientific instruments and learn their specific usage.
|
Instrument |
Uses |
|
Accumulator |
It serves as a kind of electrical energy storage. |
|
Altimeter |
It is used in aeroplanes to measure altitude. |
|
Ammeter |
Electric current strength is measured by this instrument (in amperes). |
|
Anemometer |
It calculates the wind’s speed and force. |
|
Audiometer |
It gauges the intensity of sound. |
|
Audiphones |
It is used for improving the imperfect sense of hearing. |
|
Barograph |
It is utilised for continuous atmospheric pressure recording. |
|
Barometer |
It is used to measure atmospheric pressure. It is used in weather forecasting. |
|
Binocular |
It is utilised to see faraway objects. |
|
Bolometer |
It measures heat radiation |
|
Calorimeter |
It is used to gauge how much heat a material emits or absorbs. It is employed in thermodynamics and chemistry. |
|
Carburettor |
It is used in an internal combustion engine for charging the air with petrol vapour. |
|
Cardiogram |
It tracks the heart’s motion as it is captured on a cardiograph. |
|
Chronometer |
It establishes a location’s longitude on a ship. |
|
Cinematography |
It is a tool used in filmmaking to project an enlarged picture of the photograph on the screen. |
|
Colorimeter |
a device for contrasting hue intensity. |
|
Commutator |
An instrument to change or remove the direction of an electric current, in dynamo is used to convert alternating current into direct current. |
|
Cresco graph |
It measures the growth in plants. |
|
Cyclotron |
It is a charged particle accelerator that is capable of raising the energy of charged particles. |
|
Dynamo |
Mechanical energy is transformed into electrical energy by it. |
|
Dynamometer |
It computes power, torque, and force. |
|
Electroscope |
It detects the presence of an electric charge. |
|
Endoscope |
It looks at the body’s interior organs. |
|
Eudiometer |
a glass tube used to measure volume changes in gas chemical processes. |
|
Fathometer |
It computes the ocean’s depth. |
|
Galvanometer |
It measures small-amplitude electric currents. |
|
Hydrometer |
It computes the liquids’ specific gravities. |
|
Hydrophone |
It gauges underwater sound. |
|
Hygrometer |
It gauges the air’s humidity. |
|
Kymograph |
It graphically records physiological movements (Blood pressure and heartbeat). |
|
Lactometer |
It determines the purity of milk. |
|
Manometer |
Gas pressure is measured by it. |
|
Mariner’s compass |
It is a tool that sailors use to identify the direction. |
|
Microphone |
It amplifies the sound and changes the sound waves into electrical vibrations |
|
Microscope |
It is used to view small objects or organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye. It is used in biology, medicine, and research. |
|
Odometer |
An instrument by which the distance covered by wheeled vehicles is measured. |
|
Periscope |
It is used to view objects above sea level (used in submarines) |
|
Phonograph |
An instrument for producing sound. |
|
Photometer |
The instrument compares the luminous intensity of the source of light |
|
Potentiometer |
It is used for comparing the electromotive force of cells. |
|
Pyrometer |
It measures very high temperatures. |
|
Quartz Clock |
A highly accurate clock used in astronomical observations and other precision work |
|
Radar |
Radio, angle, detection and range is used to detect the direction and range of an approaching aeroplane by means of radio microwaves |
|
Radiometer |
It measures the emission of radiant energy. |
|
Rain Gauge |
An apparatus for recording rainfall at a particular place. |
|
Rectifier |
An instrument used for the conversion of AC into DC. |
|
Refractometer |
It measures the refractive index. |
|
Saccharimeter |
It measures the amount of sugar in the solution. |
|
Salinometer |
It determines the salinity of the solution. |
|
Seismograph |
It measures the intensity of earthquake shocks. |
|
Sextant |
This is used by navigators to find the latitude of a place by measuring the elevation above the horizon of the sun or another star. |
|
Spectrometer |
It is used to measure the intensity of light absorbed by a substance. It is used in chemistry and biology. |
|
Spectroscope |
An instrument used for spectrum analysis |
|
Speedometer |
It is an instrument placed in a vehicle to record its speed. |
|
Spherometer |
It measures the curvatures of surfaces. |
|
Sphygmomanometer |
It measures blood pressure. |
|
Stereoscope |
It is used to view two-dimensional pictures. |
|
Stethoscope |
An instrument which is used by doctors to hear and analyse heart and lung sounds. |
|
Stroboscope |
It is used to view rapidly moving objects. |
|
Tachometer |
An instrument used in measuring the speeds of aeroplanes and motor boats. |
|
Teleprinter |
This instrument receives and sends typed messages from one place to another. |
|
Telescope |
It is used to view distant objects in space. It is used in astronomy. |
|
Theodolite |
It measures horizontal and vertical angles. |
|
Thermometer |
It is used to measure temperature. It is used in medicine, meteorology, and other fields that require temperature measurement. |
|
Thermostat |
It regulates the temperature at a particular point. |
|
Transistor |
A small device which may be used to amplify currents and perform other functions usually performed by a thermionic valve |
|
Udometer |
It is used to measure the amount of liquid precipitation over a set period of time. It is also called Rain Gauge. |
|
Vernier |
An adjustable scale for measuring small subdivisions of scale |
|
Viscometer |
It measures the viscosity of liquids. |
|
Voltmeter |
It measures the electric potential difference between two points. |
Scientific Instrument PDF
To prepare for SSC exams, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of scientific instruments and their uses. There are several online SSC practice tests and mock exams that have questions about scientific instruments and their uses. To assess your knowledge and be ready for the exams, you should also attempt SSC quizzes or flashcards. Additionally, students can refer to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) website and books. We have provided the scientific instrument PDF. You can download PDF and revise as per your comfort.
Scientific Instrument PDF, Download Now
In conclusion, having a basic understanding of scientific instruments and their uses is crucial for SSC exam preparation. It is important to study and familiarize oneself with the different types of scientific instruments and their applications in various fields. With sufficient preparation and practice, one can confidently tackle questions related to scientific instruments in SSC exams.
