In physics, there is a phenomenon known as refraction. Refraction is the
change in the direction of a wave passing from one medium to another caused by
its change in speed. This is why a stick will appear bent when put in water.
The device that is used to measure refraction is simply known as a refractometer.
A refractometer contains an illuminating prism, light source and a
refracting prism. Ernst Abbe of Germany was the first scientist to develop one.
To honor him, Refractometers now bear his name. It is important however, to
mention that the refractometer has undergone a series of evolution in its
processing and manufacture although the underlying mechanism by which it
functions remains essentially the same. Modern Refractometers are fitted with a
liquid crystal display and this facilitates the reading of the measurements on
the device.
It is possible for one to wonder why the refractometer is so important to
us. By the time you finish reading the following lines, you will not but agree
that it is a very important tool. Refractometers have found wide uses and
applications in medical laboratories, histological laboratories, chemical
laboratories and physics centers. It is also used by microbiologists,
astrophysicists and engineers. This is apart from the fact that it is used in
various industries, companies (especially bottling companies), hospitals,
processing plants and factories. Refractometers are very important because the
measurement of the refractive index has a lot of uses. For example, by using an
Abbe Refractometers, it is easy to detect if honey is good or spoilt. Apart from
this, the refractometer is indispensable in agriculture, clinical research, wildlife
management, pharmacology, food processing, hydrology and advanced physics.
The refractometer also comes with other benefits and advantages. For
example, you may want to measure the salinity of that lovely saltwater aquarium
that you just bought. In such a case, a refractometer comes in handy. Also, you
may want to measure the salt and electrolyte composition of the bottled spring
water that you just drank. Perhaps you may want to know whether it contains
enough sodium, calcium or potassium, once again you make use of your
refractometer. The good thing is that you do not have to carry bulky devices
around anytime you want to drink spring water! There are portable, pocket-sized
and hand-held Refractometers for personal use. It is very clear that this device
is quite useful.
Although it was Abbe that started the production of the Refractometers, some
other companies have also taken part in the production of this wonderful tool
of science. Some of them are: ATAGO, Reichert, Brix, ERMA, Bellingham &
Stanley, American Optical and Schmidt-Haensch of Germany. Oh, I almost forgot,
I am thinking of buying a saltwater aquarium, don't you think I need a
refractometer?
Abbe Refractometer
was developed to provide comprehensive, accurate and up to date information for
people looking to learn about the history and uses of Abbe Refractometers.
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