POLARIMETER Meaning and
Definition
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A polarimeter is an optical instrument used in chemistry and physics to measure the degree of polarization of light passing through a sample. It consists of two key components: a polarizer and an analyzer. The polarizer is responsible for linearly polarizing the incident light, usually by passing it through a specialized material called a polaroid. The analyzer, located after the sample, is used to determine the extent to which the light passing through the sample has been rotated.
The polarimeter enables measurements of optical rotation, a phenomenon in which the plane of polarization of polarized light is rotated when it passes through chiral substances, such as sugars or organic compounds. By determining the angle of rotation, scientists can gain valuable insights into the concentration, purity, and structural properties of these substances.
Typically, a polarimeter is equipped with a graduated circle or vernier scale, allowing precise measurement of the angle of rotation. Modern polarimeters often incorporate additional features, including electronic detectors, to enhance accuracy and facilitate data analysis.
The use of polarimeters is prevalent in various scientific fields, including pharmaceuticals, food analysis, biochemistry, and quality control. They play a critical role in identifying and characterizing materials, assisting in the understanding of molecular structures, and ensuring consistency and quality in industrial processes.
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An instrument for measuring the angle of rotation in polarization or the amount of polarized light.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for POLARIMETER
- oolarimeter
- lolarimeter
- -olarimeter
- 0olarimeter
- pilarimeter
- pklarimeter
- pllarimeter
- pplarimeter
- p0larimeter
- p9larimeter
- pokarimeter
- poparimeter
- pooarimeter
- polzrimeter
- polsrimeter
- polwrimeter
- polqrimeter
- polaeimeter
- poladimeter
Etymology of POLARIMETER
The word "polarimeter" has a Greek and Latin etymology.
The root of the word comes from the Greek word "polos", meaning "axis" or "pole". This term was used in ancient Greece to describe the axis around which the celestial spheres supposedly revolved.
The suffix "-meter" comes from the Latin word "metrum", which means "measure" or "measurement". It is used in many scientific terms to indicate instruments or devices used for measurement.
So, when combined, "polarimeter" literally means an instrument used for measuring or analyzing polarized light.
Similar spelling word for POLARIMETER
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