Various Types of Measuring Tools Explained

While measurements didn’t become official until the 18th century, there were certain ways people could measure things which were based on the human body. For example, an inch was basically the width of the thumb and a span was the length of the hand when stretched out. There were other types of measurements like cubit and lick which also relied on our morphology. But there weren’t any instruments except for our body parts. In 1795, there were over seven hundred measurements in France alone which were the early beginnings towards a dedicated system. Today there are all kinds of measurements each having a dedicated tool.

What Tool Measures Distance?

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The simplest tool when it comes to measuring distance is the ruler but depending on the distance itself, there are various other tools for measuring it. There are measuring tapes, measuring wheels and laser tape measuring devices.

Measuring Tape

Another simple and commonly used distance measuring tool found on both construction sites and in households is measuring tape. This is a metal ruler with a little bit of flex to it which is stored inside a plastic housing. It is better to go for a wider measuring tape as it stays stable when measuring long distances and it also allows you to move it more easily.

Measuring Wheel

A measuring wheel is used for distance’s that go over 90 m. These wheels have a handle attached to them and a counter which allows you to read the measurements. These measuring tools come calibrated in order to provide accurate results when pushing them over a terrain that you want to know the exact measurements of.

Laser Tape Measure

With these digital tools for measuring distance you get the most accurate results thanks to optics and laser physics. A laser measuring device works on the phase shift principle which uses the reflection of the beam it’s sending out and the time it takes for the pulse reflecting from the object or surface to get back. These two parameters translate the distance the laser beam has travelled into the unit of choice.

What Tool Measures Earthquakes?

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The device used to measure earthquakes is called a seismograph. This tool accurately measures the motion of the ground caused by a quake. A seismograph is a measuring tool that has a large mass in order to accommodate the motion of the earthquake it needs to measure as it too moves with it. When it comes to big cities, seismographs are isolated from the vibrations caused by trucks or the subway in order to reduce what is called data pollution. The results from a seismograph are shown on the Richter scale which is a logarithmic scale and the standard when it comes to earthquakes.

What Tool Measures Humidity?

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A hygrometer is the tool used to measure relative humidity by combines both dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures. Sometimes when quick estimates are needed changes in conductivity of humid air are measured. Humidity is categorised in two other measurements such as specific and absolute humidity alongside relative.

Absolute Humidity

This is the measurement of the exact amount of water vapour. Absolute humidity refers to the amount of water vapour at a specific temperature. Water vapour is measured in grams per cubic meter of volume air and the higher amount of water vapour, the higher the absolute humidity is.

Specific Humidity

The concept of specific and absolute humidity is similar but with the former measurement we refer to the weight of the water in a unit of weight (grams) of air. Specific humidity is shown in grams of water vapour per kilogram of air.

Relative Humidity

The measure of the amount of water vapour that air has is known as relative humidity which is expressed in percent. Warmer air will usually have a higher relative humidity than colder air even if it they have the same specific or absolute humidity.

What Tool Is Used to Measure Light?

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The device used to measure various different aspects of the intensity of light is called a photometer. The device is named aptly by the science that studies light, more specifically its brightness, called photometry. A photometer works by observing a light source through it and with the help of photo resistors the device shows when electrical properties change when exposed to the light source. The unit in which the intensity of light is expressed is called Lux. This instrument is used in the water industry and for soil testing too whilst also being used to compare light that’s transmitted from two different sources.

Types of Photometers

Colour photometers are used to measure the light falling on an object and the intensity of colour coming from it. These photometers are used to make a well balanced colour saturation which makes them perfect for photography. Built-in photometers are integrated into a camera module made specifically for picture taking.

Spot photometers are used to let the user set the exposure of the camera depending on the amount of light. Incident light photometers are made to specifically measure the amount of light falling on a subject which makes them the most accurate. Hand held photometers are used to get light readings – they don’t come integrated into any module or system.