coulometer

A scientist uses a coulometer to measure electrical charge in an experiment.

Definition

1. Noun (countable):
   • An instrument for measuring electric charge: A "coulometer" is a device used in electrochemistry to determine the quantity of electricity (measured in coulombs) that passes through a circuit during an electrolytic process.
   • A type of electrochemical cell: It often consists of a cell where the amount of a substance deposited or dissolved at an electrode is directly proportional to the charge passed, allowing precise measurement.

Usage Examples

• (The device measured the electric charge in coulombs.)
• (A specific design of coulometer using silver.)
• (The instrument's precision relies on experimental conditions.)

Advanced Usage

• "To calibrate a coulometer": to adjust the instrument to ensure accurate readings.
  • Before the experiment, the scientist calibrated the coulometer using a standard current source. (Adjusted the device for accuracy.)
• "Coulometer as a primary standard": used in metrology as a reference for defining the ampere.
  • Historically, the silver coulometer served as a primary standard for the unit of electric current. (The device acted as a fundamental reference.)

Variants and Related Words

• Coulometry (n): the scientific technique or method that uses a coulometer to measure charge.
  • Coulometry is a precise method for determining the amount of substance in a sample. (The technique involving the coulometer.)
• Coulometric (adj): relating to or performed using a coulometer.
  • The coulometric titration gave highly accurate results. (The titration carried out with a coulometer.)

Synonyms

• Current integrator: a device that integrates electric current over time to measure total charge.
• Charge meter: an instrument that measures the quantity of electric charge.

Related Idioms