Science · X-Factor Notes
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS AND SCALES revision notes for UPPCS Prelims.
27 revision facts
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Pyrometer / Radiation Thermometer | Used to measure extremely high temperatures, typically above 1500°C. It functions as a remote-sensing radiation thermometer. | U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2016; U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2016; UPPCS (Pre) 2009; UPPCS (Mains) 2008; UPPCS (Spl.) (Mains) 2004; UPPCS (Pre) 1998 |
| Total Radiation Pyrometer | A type of pyrometer used specifically to measure temperatures around 2000°C. | UPPCS (Pre) 2009 |
| Pyrheliometer | Used for measuring solar radiation. | UPPCS (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015 |
| Luxmeter | Used for measuring the intensity of light. | UPPCS (Pre) 2008 |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Barometer | A scientific instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure. | U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010; U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001; UPPCS (Mains) 2012 |
| Barograph | Measures atmospheric pressure. | UPPCS (Mains) 2012 |
| Manometer | An instrument used to measure the pressure of gas (or liquids). | UPPCS (Pre) 1990 |
| Hygrometer | Used for measuring the relative humidity or moisture content in the atmosphere. | UPPCS (Pre) 1996; UPPCS (Pre) 1995; U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014; U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001; UPPCS (Mains) 2012 |
| Lactometer | Used for the measurement of the density of milk. | N/A |
| Hydrometer | Used for measuring the relative density of liquids. | N/A |
| Anemometer | Used for measuring wind velocity. | UPPCS (Mains) 2012 |
| Altimeter | Used to measure altitude (height of an object above a fixed level). | UPPCS (Mains) 2012 |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Ammeter | A measuring instrument used to measure the electric current in a circuit. | U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001; UPPCS (Pre) 2017 |
| Galvanometer | Measures electric current or potential | UPPCS (Pre) 2017 |
| Odometer | Measuring instrument for the distance covered. | U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004 |
| Spring Balance | A weighing apparatus that measures weights by the tension of a spring. | U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001 |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Seismograph | A sensitive instrument used to detect and record seismic waves/earthquakes. It is used to measure the intensity of an earthquake. | UPPCS (Mains) 2017; UPPCS (Mains) 2014; UPPCS (Mains) 2012; UPPCS (Spl.) (Mains) 2008; UPPCS (Pre) 1990 |
| Richter Scale | Used for measuring the magnitude or amplitude of seismic waves (earthquakes). | U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015; U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004; UPPCS (Spl.) (Mains) 2008 |
| SONAR | Utilizes ultrasonic waves to detect or locate submerged objects. | UPPCS (Mains) 2013 |
| Fathometer | Used to determine the depth of water or a submerged object. | |
| Audiometer | Used to measure the intensity of sound. The match listing "Audiometer - Wavelength of electromagnetic waves" is incorrect. | U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004 |
| Stethoscope | Used for listening to the action of someone's heart sound. | UPPCS (Pre) 2008 |
| Sphygmomanometer | Used to measure blood pressure. | UPPCS (Pre) 2007; UPPCS (Pre) 2008 |
| Caratometer | An internationally acclaimed device for checking the purity of gold. | UPPCS (Pre) 2008 |
| Polygraph | Popularly referred to as a lie detector, it measures and records several physiological indices (like blood pressure, pulse, respiration). | U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2013 |
| Crescograph | A device specifically used for measuring growth in plants. | UPPCS (Pre) 1990 |
| Theodolite | An optical instrument used for measuring angular distances in both horizontal and vertical planes. |
