Physics ยท General Awareness
Physics Measuring Instruments
1,123 Questions
Physics measuring instruments are essential tools used to measure various physical quantities. This topic covers devices like hygrometers, oscilloscopes, and sphygmomanometers. It is a highly scoring section in general science and general awareness examinations.
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Physics Measuring Instruments Questions
What is the purpose of using a hygrometer in an art museum or gallery?
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To measure the temperature.
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To measure the relative humidity.
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To measure the light levels.
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To measure the air quality.
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The purpose of using a hygrometer in an art museum or gallery is to measure the relative humidity, as it is important to maintain a stable relative humidity level to prevent damage to the artworks.
What is the primary instrument used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies in celestial navigation?
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Sextant
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Astrolabe
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Compass
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Chronometer
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The sextant is the primary instrument used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies in celestial navigation.
Which instrument is commonly used to measure the speed and direction of ocean currents?
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Current meter
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ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler)
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Drifting buoy
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Satellite altimetry
B
Correct answer
Explanation
An ADCP uses acoustic signals to measure the velocity of water currents at different depths, providing detailed information about ocean circulation patterns.
What is the purpose of using a rosette sampler in oceanographic measurements?
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To collect water samples at various depths
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To measure the temperature of the ocean
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To determine the salinity of seawater
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To measure the concentration of dissolved oxygen
A
Correct answer
Explanation
A rosette sampler is a device equipped with multiple water sampling bottles that can be opened and closed at specific depths, allowing researchers to collect water samples from different depths simultaneously.
What type of instrument is used to measure the concentration of dissolved oxygen in seawater?
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Oxygen sensor
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Dissolved oxygen meter
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Oxygen probe
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Oxygen sensors, dissolved oxygen meters, and oxygen probes are all instruments used to measure the concentration of dissolved oxygen in seawater, providing insights into the health and productivity of marine ecosystems.
What is the primary function of a tide gauge in oceanographic measurements?
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To measure the height of tides
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To determine the speed of ocean currents
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To measure the temperature of the ocean
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To collect water samples
A
Correct answer
Explanation
A tide gauge is an instrument used to measure the height of tides, providing valuable information about tidal patterns, sea level variations, and coastal processes.
Which instrument is commonly used to measure the concentration of nutrients in seawater?
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Nutrient analyzer
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Spectrophotometer
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Fluorometer
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Nutrient analyzers, spectrophotometers, and fluorometers are all instruments used to measure the concentration of nutrients, such as nitrates, phosphates, and silicates, in seawater, providing insights into the productivity and biogeochemical cycles of marine ecosystems.
Which instrument is commonly used to measure the concentration of chlorophyll in seawater?
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Fluorometer
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Spectrophotometer
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Chlorophyll meter
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Fluorometers, spectrophotometers, and chlorophyll meters are all instruments used to measure the concentration of chlorophyll, a pigment found in phytoplankton, providing insights into the abundance and productivity of marine plant life.
Which instrument is commonly used to measure the concentration of heavy metals in seawater?
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Atomic absorption spectrometer
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Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS)
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X-ray fluorescence spectrometer
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Atomic absorption spectrometers, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers, and X-ray fluorescence spectrometers are all instruments used to measure the concentration of heavy metals in seawater, providing insights into the sources, distribution, and potential toxicity of these contaminants.
Which instrument is commonly used to measure the concentration of carbon dioxide in seawater?
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Carbon dioxide sensor
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Total alkalinity analyzer
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pH meter
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Carbon dioxide sensors, total alkalinity analyzers, and pH meters are all instruments used to measure the concentration of carbon dioxide in seawater, providing insights into the ocean's role in the global carbon cycle and ocean acidification.
Which instrument is commonly used to measure the concentration of suspended particulate matter in seawater?
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Turbidity meter
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Nephelometer
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Transmissometer
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Turbidity meters, nephelometers, and transmissometers are all instruments used to measure the concentration of suspended particulate matter in seawater, providing insights into water clarity, sediment transport, and the dynamics of marine ecosystems.
What is the term for the underwater breathing apparatus used in scuba diving?
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Snorkel
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Flippers
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Buoyancy Compensator Device (BCD)
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Scuba Tank
D
Correct answer
Explanation
In scuba diving, the scuba tank is the underwater breathing apparatus that provides divers with a supply of compressed air for breathing.
Which of the following is NOT a common type of water quality monitoring equipment?
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pH meter
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Turbidimeter
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Dissolved oxygen meter
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Conductivity meter
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Flow meter
E
Correct answer
Explanation
Flow meters are not typically used in water quality monitoring, as they are primarily used to measure the flow rate of water.
Which of the following is a type of sensor used to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air?
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Photoionization detector (PID)
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Flame ionization detector (FID)
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Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
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Electrochemical sensor
A
Correct answer
Explanation
PIDs measure VOCs by ionizing them with ultraviolet light and detecting the resulting ions.
Which of the following instruments is used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies?
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The quadrant
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The sextant
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The astrolabe
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The sundial
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The quadrant is an astronomical instrument that is used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies above the horizon. It consists of a quarter-circle arc with a plumb line attached to its center.