Scientific Instruments and Appliances

A scientific instrument is an instrument used for scientific purposes. Scientific instruments are part of laboratory equipment, but are considered more sophisticated and more specialized than other measuring instruments as scales, meter sticks, chronometers, thermometers or even waveform generators. They are increasingly based upon the integration of computers to improve and simplify control, enhance and extend instrumental functions, conditions, parameter adjustments and data sampling, collection, resolution, analysis (both during and post process), storage and retrieval.

Scientific Instruments and Appliances

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• Altimeter is a special type of aneroid barometer, used in measuring altitudes.
• Ammeter is an instrument to measure the strength of an electric current.
• Anemometer is an instrument to measure the velocity and find the direction of the wind.
• Audiometer is an instrument to measure difference in hearing.
• Barometer is used for measuring atmospheric pressure.
• Binocular is an optical instrument designed for magnified view of distant objects by both eyes simultaneously.
• Calorimeter is an instrument for measuring quantities of heat.
• Chronometer is a clock to determine longitude of a vessel of sea.
• Clinical Thermometer is a thermometer for measuring the temperature of human body.
• Colorimeter is an instrument for comparing intensities of colour.
• Commutator is an instrument to change of reverse the direction of an electric current. In dynamo used to convert the alternating current into direct current.
• Computer is a technical device designed to find instantaneous solutions of huge and complex calculation based on the information already fed.
• Dynamo is a device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
• Dynamometer is an instrument for measuring the electrical power.
• Electroscope is an instrument for detecting the presence of electric charge.
• Galvanometer is an instrument for measuring electric current.
• Hydrometer is an instrument for measuring the relative density of liquids.
• Hydrophone is an instrument for measuring sound under water.
• Hygrometer is an instrument for measuring the relative humidity of the atmosphere.
• Hygroscope is an instrument to show the changes in atmospheric humidity.
• Lactometer is an instrument for measuring the relative density of milk.
• Micrometer is an instrument used for accurately measuring small distances or angles.
• Manometer is instrument to measure the pressure of gases.
• Magnetometer is an instrument used to compare the magnetic moments and fields.
• Mariner’s Compass is an apparatus for determining direction, graduated to indicate 33 directions. The “N” point on the dial indicates north pole and the “S” point, south pole.
• Microscope is an instrument for magnified view of very small objects.
• Periscope is an apparatus for viewing objects lying above the eye level of the observer and whose direct vision is obstructed. It consists of a tube bent twice at right angles and having plane mirrors at these bends inclined at angles of 45 to the tube.
• Photometer is an instrument for comparing the luminous intensity of the sources of light.
• Planimeter is a mechanical integrating instrument to measure area of a plane surface.
• Pyknometer is an instrument used to measure the density and coefficient of expansion of liquid.
• Pyrheliometer is an instrument for measuring solar radiations.
• Pyrometers are thermometers to measure high temperatures.
• Quadrant is an instrument for measuring altitudes and angles in navigation and astronomy.
• Quartz Clock is a highly accurate clock used in astronomical observations and other precision work.
• Radio Micrometer is an instrument for measuring heat radiations.
• Rain Gauge is an instrument for measuring rainfall.
• Refractometer is an instrument used to measure the refractive index of a substance.
• Resistance Thermometer is used for determining the electrical resistance of conductor.
• Salinometer is a type of hydrometer used to determine the concentration of salt solutions by measuring their densities.
• Seismograph is an instrument used for recording the intensity and origin of earthquake shocks.
• Sextant is an instrument used for measurement of angular distances between two objects.
• Spectroscope is an instrument used for spectrum analysis.
• Spectrometer is a type of spectroscope so calibrated as to make it suitable for the precise measurement of refractive indices.
• Spherometer is an instrument used for accurately measuring the curvature of spherical objects.
• Sphygmomanometer is an apparatus for measuring blood pressure.
• Spring Balance is used to measure the mass of a body. It is preferred only when quick but approximate determinations are to be carried out.
• Stereoscope is an optical device to see two dimensional pictures as having depth and solidity.
• Stethoscope is a medical instrument for hearing and analyzing the sound of heart and lungs.
• Stroboscope is an instrument used for viewing the objects moving rapidly with a periodic motion and to see them as if they were at rest.
• Tangent Galvanometer is an instrument for measuring the strength of direct current.
• Telemeter is an apparatus for recording physical events happening at a distance.
• Teleprinter is a communication medium for automatic sending, receiving and printing of telegraphic message from distant places.
• Telescope is an instrument for viewing distant objects as magnified.
• Television is an instrument used for transmitting the visible moving images by means of wireless waves.
• Thermometer is an instrument to measure the temperature.
• Thermoscope is used for measuring the temperature change ( approximately ) of the substances by nothing the corresponding change in volume.
• Thermostat is an automatic device for regulating constant temperatures.
• Transistor is a small device which may be used to amplify currents and perform other functions usually performed by a thermionic value.
• Vernier is an adjustable scale with marking of 10 subdivisions of one-tenth of an inch or any other suitable marking for measuring small subdivisions of scale.
• Viscometer is an instrument for measuring the viscosity, i.e. the property of resistance of a fluid to relative motion within itself.
• Voltmeter is an instrument to measure potential difference between two points.