Scientific Instruments Practice Questions
20 free Scientific Instruments practice questions for the Static GK. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which instrument is used to measure the intensity of an earthquake?
- A Thermometer
- B Seismograph
- C Fathometer
- D Hygrometer
Correct answer: Seismograph
A seismograph is used to detect and record the vibrations produced by earthquakes. The data it collects helps scientists determine the earthquake's magnitude and epicenter.
The purity of milk is measured using which of the following instruments?
- A Hydrometer
- B Barometer
- C Thermometer
- D Lactometer
Correct answer: Lactometer
A lactometer is a specialized hydrometer used to check the purity of cow's milk. It works on the principle of specific gravity by measuring the density of the milk relative to water.
Which instrument is used by sailors in a submarine to see objects on the surface of the water?
- A Periscope
- B Microscope
- C Telescope
- D Gyroscope
Correct answer: Periscope
A periscope uses a system of prisms or mirrors to allow a viewer to see objects that are not in their direct line of sight. It is a standard piece of equipment for observing the surface from a submerged submarine.
An anemometer is used to measure which of the following?
- A Air pressure
- B Ocean depth
- C Light intensity
- D Wind velocity
Correct answer: Wind velocity
An anemometer is a common weather station instrument that measures wind speed. Some advanced versions can also measure wind direction.
Which instrument is used for measuring very high temperatures, such as those in a furnace?
- A Photometer
- B Barometer
- C Sextant
- D Pyrometer
Correct answer: Pyrometer
A pyrometer is a type of remote-sensing thermometer used to measure the temperature of distant surfaces. It is essential for industries where contact-based thermometers would melt or fail.
Which instrument is used to measure the depth of the ocean?
- A Galvanometer
- B Endoscope
- C Sphygmomanometer
- D Fathometer
Correct answer: Fathometer
A fathometer is a depth finder that uses sound waves to determine the distance between the water surface and the ocean floor. The unit of measurement used is typically the fathom.
The 'Sphygmomanometer' is a medical instrument used to measure:
- A Heartbeat
- B Body temperature
- C Lung capacity
- D Blood pressure
Correct answer: Blood pressure
A sphygmomanometer consists of an inflatable cuff and a mercury or mechanical manometer. It is used to measure arterial blood pressure, typically on the upper arm.
Which instrument is used to measure the humidity or moisture content in the air?
- A Hydrometer
- B Barometer
- C Anemometer
- D Hygrometer
Correct answer: Hygrometer
A hygrometer measures the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere, soil, or confined spaces. This is a critical measurement for meteorology and climate studies.
What does a 'Bolometer' measure?
- A Speed of ships
- B Thickness of paper
- C Heat radiation
- D Specific gravity
Correct answer: Heat radiation
A bolometer is a device used for measuring the power of incident electromagnetic radiation via the heating of a material. It is often used in infrared astronomy to detect heat from celestial bodies.
Which instrument is used to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy?
- A Motor
- B Transformer
- C Dynamo
- D Rectifier
Correct answer: Dynamo
A dynamo is an electrical generator that creates direct current using a commutator. It was the first electrical generator capable of delivering power for industry.
A 'Chronometer' is primarily used to measure time accurately at:
- A On the open sea
- B High altitudes
- C Outer space
- D Underground mines
Correct answer: On the open sea
A marine chronometer is a timepiece that is precise enough to be used as a portable time standard. It was historically used to determine longitude by means of celestial navigation at sea.
Which instrument is used to measure the growth of plants?
- A Crescograph
- B Cardiograph
- C Spectrograph
- D Radiograph
Correct answer: Crescograph
The crescograph was invented by the Indian scientist Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose in the early 20th century. It can magnify the motion of plant growth up to 10,000 times.
Which instrument is used to find the direction of a ship or an airplane?
- A Sextant
- B Radar
- C Compass
- D Tachometer
Correct answer: Compass
A magnetic compass contains a magnetized needle that aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field. It has been used for navigation for centuries to determine cardinal directions.
The 'Sextant' is an instrument used in navigation to measure:
- A Angular distance
- B Speed of sound
- C Barometric pressure
- D Air density
Correct answer: Angular distance
A sextant is used primarily to measure the angle between an astronomical object and the horizon for the purposes of celestial navigation. It is essential for determining latitude at sea.
Which instrument is used to detect and measure small electric currents?
- A Ammeter
- B Voltmeter
- C Galvanometer
- D Oscilloscope
Correct answer: Galvanometer
A galvanometer is an electromechanical instrument used for detecting and indicating a small electric current. It works by producing a rotary deflection of a pointer in response to electric current.
A 'Tachometer' is an instrument used to measure the:
- A Surface tension
- B Rotational speed
- C Thickness of a wire
- D Refractive index
Correct answer: Rotational speed
Tachometers are commonly used in vehicles to show the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the engine. This helps the driver select appropriate throttle and gear settings for safe driving.
Which instrument is used to examine internal parts of the body, such as the digestive tract?
- A Microscope
- B Endoscope
- C Stethoscope
- D Telescope
Correct answer: Endoscope
An endoscope is a long, thin tube with a light and camera at the end. It is inserted into the body to view internal organs on a monitor without the need for large incisions.
What is the name of the instrument used to measure the concentration of sugar in a solution?
- A Saccharometer
- B Salinometer
- C Calorimeter
- D Conductometer
Correct answer: Saccharometer
A saccharometer is a type of hydrometer used by brewers and winemakers to determine the amount of sugar in a liquid. It works by measuring the density of the sugar solution.
Which instrument is used to record the speed of a motor vehicle?
- A Odometer
- B Speedometer
- C Altimeter
- D Chronometer
Correct answer: Speedometer
The speedometer indicates the instantaneous speed of a vehicle in kilometers or miles per hour. The odometer, which is often in the same unit, measures the total distance traveled.
Which instrument is used to listen to the internal sounds of the human body, such as heartbeats?
- A Otoscope
- B Laryngoscope
- C Stethoscope
- D Microscope
Correct answer: Stethoscope
The stethoscope was invented by René Laennec in 1816. It is a fundamental diagnostic tool used by medical professionals to listen to heart, lung, and intestinal sounds.