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Correct Answer: urinometer
among the instruments listed, the urinometer is the one that consists of a float attached to a scale, making it the correct answer to the question regarding specific gravity instruments.
the urinometer, traditionally used to measure the specific gravity or density of urine, is a crucial tool in medical diagnostics. it operates on the principle of buoyancy, which is governed by archimedes' principle. this principle states that an object partially or wholly immersed in a fluid experiences a buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. the urinometer itself is a narrow, elongated float with a weighted bulb at the bottom to ensure it remains upright when placed in a liquid. attached to this float is a graduated scale, which is used to read the specific gravity directly.
in use, the urinometer is gently lowered into a sample of urine contained in a tall, narrow container, typically a cylinder. the device sinks to a level dependent on the density of the urine. the denser the urine, the higher the urinometer floats. conversely, if the urine is less dense, the urinometer sinks further. the specific gravity is read at the liquid's surface level against the calibrated scale on the float.
specific gravity measurements are important in the medical field because they can provide insights into a patient's hydration status and kidney function, among other things. a higher than normal specific gravity can indicate conditions such as dehydration, whereas a lower than normal specific gravity could suggest overhydration or renal issues.
it is important to note that other devices listed, such as refractometers and copper reduction instruments, serve different purposes. refractometers are used to measure the degree to which light changes direction (refracts) through a liquid, which can also indicate density but uses a different principle. copper reduction instruments are used in tests such as those for glucose in urine, based on the reduction of copper salts by glucose in an alkaline solution and not for measuring specific gravity.
in summary, the urinometer's unique design with a float and attached scale specifically qualifies it among the listed options for measuring the specific gravity of liquids like urine, providing valuable diagnostic information in clinical settings.
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