Glossary “refractometer” Definition:
Instrument used to measure substances dissolved in water and certain oils. It works on the principle of light refraction through liquids. As light passes from air into a liquid it slows down and this phenomenon is what gives a “bent” look to objects that are partially submerged in water. Refactometers use this principle to determine the amount of dissolved solids in a liquid by passing light through a sample and showing the refracted angle on a scale. In automotive applications, reflactometers are used to measure the specific gravity of battery electrolyte and antifreeze concentrations.