Difference between hydrometer and hygrometer

Difference between hydrometer and hygrometer

Difference between hydrometer and hygrometer

Hydrometer and hygrometer are two different instruments used to measure different properties of substances. Here's the difference between the two:

Hydrometer:

A hydrometer is an instrument used to measure the specific gravity or relative density of a liquid. It is commonly used to determine the concentration of dissolved substances in a liquid, such as sugar in water or alcohol in a liquid mixture. The principle behind a hydrometer's operation is based on buoyancy. The hydrometer is typically a sealed glass tube with a weighted bulb at one end and a graduated scale along its length. When the hydrometer is placed in a liquid, it floats, and the level to which it sinks in the liquid is proportional to the liquid's density. By reading the scale at the liquid's surface, the specific gravity or density of the liquid can be determined.

Hygrometer:

A hygrometer is an instrument used to measure the humidity or moisture content in the atmosphere. It helps determine the amount of water vapor present in the air. There are various types of hygrometers, including mechanical hygrometers, electronic hygrometers, and psychrometers. Each type of hygrometer employs different principles for humidity measurement. For example, a mechanical hygrometer might use a moisture-absorbent material that expands or contracts with humidity changes, while an electronic hygrometer uses sensors to detect changes in electrical resistance, capacitance, or thermal conductivity in response to humidity.

In summary, the main difference between a hydrometer and a hygrometer is that a hydrometer measures the specific gravity or relative density of a liquid, while a hygrometer measures the humidity or moisture content in the atmosphere. They serve distinct purposes and are used in different contexts.