An actinometer is a scientific instrument used to measure the intensity of radiation, especially sunlight. It is an important tool for scientists and researchers who study the effects of radiation on various objects and materials. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of actinometer.
Definitions
An actinometer is a device that measures the intensity of radiation, especially ultraviolet radiation. It is used in various fields such as meteorology, physics, chemistry, and biology. The word actinometer comes from the Greek words “aktis” meaning ray and “metron” meaning measure.
Origin
The actinometer was first invented in the early 19th century by the French physicist Jean-Baptiste Biot. He used a glass tube filled with a solution of silver nitrate to measure the intensity of sunlight. Later, other scientists developed more sophisticated versions of the actinometer using different materials and methods.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an actinometer is “an instrument for measuring the intensity of radiation, especially of the sun’s rays.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “an instrument for measuring the intensity of solar radiation.”
Associations
The actinometer is associated with various fields such as meteorology, physics, chemistry, and biology. It is used to study the effects of radiation on plants, animals, and materials. It is also used to measure the amount of ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of actinometer include radiometer, dosimeter, photometer, and spectrophotometer.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for actinometer as it is a specific instrument with a unique purpose.
The same root words
The same root words as actinometer include actinic, which means relating to or caused by radiation, and actinism, which means the property of radiation that produces chemical changes.
Example Sentences
- The scientist used an actinometer to measure the intensity of sunlight.
- The actinometer showed that the amount of ultraviolet radiation had increased.
- The actinometer is an important tool for studying the effects of radiation on plants and animals.
- The radiometer and the actinometer are both used to measure radiation.
- The actinic radiation from the sun can cause skin damage and cancer.