vätskepycnometer

A pycnometer is a type of densitometer used to measure the precise density of a liquid. The term "vätskepycnometer" is a Swedish compound word combining "vätska" (liquid) and "pycnometer." Essentially, it is a specialized flask designed for this purpose.

The principle behind a pycnometer's operation relies on its precisely known volume. The device typically consists of a glass flask with a ground glass stopper that has a narrow opening or capillary tube. This capillary tube allows for precise filling and also helps to ensure that any excess liquid or trapped air is expelled.

To use a vätskepycnometer, it is first carefully weighed when empty. Then, it is filled completely with the liquid whose density is to be determined. Care is taken to avoid air bubbles and to ensure the liquid level precisely reaches the top of the capillary. The filled pycnometer is then weighed again. The difference in mass between the filled and empty pycnometer gives the mass of the liquid. Knowing the precise volume of the pycnometer, which is determined by calibration, the density of the liquid can be calculated using the formula density = mass/volume.

Vätskepycnometers are commonly used in laboratories for quality control, research, and calibration purposes where accurate density measurements of liquids are critical. Their accuracy depends on careful handling, precise temperature control during measurement, and the accurate calibration of the pycnometer's volume.