refractometry
Quick Summary
Refractometry is a method of chemical analysis that measures the refractive index of a substance. The refractive index quantifies how much light bends when passing from one medium to another, or the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to its speed in a substance. This property is unique to each substance, making it useful for qualitative analysis.12
A refractometer is the instrument used to measure refractive indices. These measurements can help identify substances or determine properties like sugar content. Refractometry is a spectral method that relies on the phenomenon of refraction, where light changes direction due to a decrease in velocity as it enters a new medium.32
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