What is the usefulness of a hydrometer?

Question

Evaluate the usefulness of a hydrometer, and explain why determining density is better done in different situations with a hydrometer or by measuring mass and volume

Answer 1

A hydrometer measures the density of a liquid. It is designed to be buoyant in common liquids, and s graduated to read density. Some hydrometers, like battery acid hydrometers have other indications such as a color band to show the safe concentrations of acids.



Hydrometers are favored where the liquid is accessible and measurement of mass and volume is difficult.

Answer 2

A hydrometer is usually used for measuring the concentration of alcohol in water. If you're making whiskey, that's good to know. A more common use is for checking the level of antifreeze (a type of alcohol) in your car radiator. Measuring mass and volume would be a major job by comparison.