voltameter

A scientist uses a voltameter to measure the electrical charge in a solution.

Definition

Noun: A voltameter is an instrument used to measure the quantity of electricity passing through a circuit by means of the chemical decomposition (electrolysis) it produces. It typically consists of a container with electrodes immersed in an electrolyte, and the amount of electric charge is determined by the mass of substance deposited or gas evolved at the electrodes.

Usage Examples

• (The instrument measured charge by observing the chemical reaction.)
• (The device quantified electricity through the mass of deposited metal.)

Advanced Usage

• "To calibrate a voltameter": to adjust the instrument so that its measurements are accurate.
  • The technician had to calibrate the voltameter before the experiment to ensure precise readings. (To set the voltameter correctly for reliable results.)

Variants and Related Words

• Voltammeter (n): a device that measures both voltage and current, often confused with a voltameter, but it is a different instrument used for electrochemical analysis.
  • The voltammeter recorded the current-voltage relationship in the solution. (A tool for measuring electrical properties in electrochemistry.)

Synonyms

• Electrolytic cell: a device that uses electricity to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction, often used as a component in a voltameter.
• Coulometer: another term for a voltameter, specifically one that measures electric charge in coulombs.

Related Idioms

• None commonly associated with "voltameter," as it is a technical term.