What is the Difference Between Hydrometer and Hygrometer?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚A hydrometer and a hygrometer are both measuring devices, but they serve different purposes and measure different properties. Here are the main differences between the two:
- Hydrometer: A hydrometer measures the density or specific gravity of a liquid. It is often used to measure the alcohol content or sugar content of beverages, or to measure the sulfuric acid content of battery acid. Hydrometers work by measuring how much an object sinks in a liquid. The more the hydrometer sinks, the denser the liquid.
- Hygrometer: A hygrometer measures the humidity in the air, which is the amount of water vapor present. Humidity levels indicate the likelihood of precipitation, dew, or fog. Hygrometers measure humidity by indirect methods, such as hair tension hygrometers or electrical hygrometers that measure the change in resistivity in a circuit.
In summary, a hydrometer measures the density or specific gravity of a liquid, while a hygrometer measures the humidity in the air.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Hydrometer and Hygrometer? Comparative Table: Hydrometer vs Hygrometer
Comparative Table: Hydrometer vs Hygrometer
The main difference between a hydrometer and a hygrometer lies in what they measure. Here is a table summarizing their differences:
Feature | Hydrometer | Hygrometer |
---|---|---|
Measurement | Liquid density and specific gravity | Humidity, the amount of water vapor in air |
Industries | Food industry, beverage industry, and other industries where liquid density is important | Industries where humidity control is crucial, such as greenhouses, museums, and textile industries |
Function | Floats in the liquid and measures its density or specific gravity | Measures water vapor in air, soil, or confined spaces |
Temperature | Measurements are affected by solution temperature; temperature correction is required for accurate readings | Measurements are not directly affected by temperature, but relative humidity depends on temperature |
Units | Specific gravity (SG) and degrees Twaddle (°Tw) | Relative humidity (RH) |
In summary, hydrometers are used to measure liquid density and specific gravity, while hygrometers measure humidity or water vapor content in the air. Both instruments are vital for quality control and process monitoring in various industries.
Read more:
- Barometer vs Thermometer
- Humidity vs Relative Humidity
- Temperature vs Humidity
- Humidity vs Moisture
- Humidifier vs Dehumidifier
- Barometer vs Manometer
- Dew Point vs Humidity
- Humidifier vs Vaporizer
- Thermometer vs Thermostat
- Pyranometer vs Pyrheliometer
- Absolute vs Relative Humidity
- Dewpoint vs Wet Bulb Temperature
- Diffuser vs Humidifier
- pH Meter vs Conductivity Meter
- Alcohol vs Mercury Thermometers
- Hygroscopic vs Deliquescent
- Moisture Content vs Water Content
- Thermocouple vs Thermistor
- Spectrometer vs Spectrophotometer