Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: tintometer
Explanation:
Introduction / Context: Color is an aesthetic and diagnostic parameter in drinking water and wastewater. Detecting and quantifying color helps identify dissolved organics, metals, and treatment issues.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach: A tintometer (e.g., Lovibond) is a visual comparator instrument that matches the color of a water sample against calibrated glass or plastic standards on a defined color scale. While modern spectrophotometric colorimeters exist, classic waterworks practice and many textbooks explicitly refer to the tintometer for routine color determination.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Recognize that “tintometer” is a dedicated visual comparator for color.Differentiate from “turbidimeter,” which measures light scattering by suspended particles (turbidity), not color.Note that a generic “colorimeter” usually refers to photoelectric absorbance devices; the traditional water color test cites a tintometer by name.Select tintometer as the expected answer.Verification / Alternative check: Standard methods in older waterworks manuals and exam keys associate color testing with the Lovibond tintometer procedure.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Colorimeter: Although usable, the classic instrument named in many curricula is the tintometer; the item asks for the instrument specifically associated with the color test.Electro-chemical cell: Used for conductivity, pH, or specific ion measurements, not color.Turbidimeter: Measures turbidity (NTU), not true/apparent color.Common Pitfalls: Confusing turbidity (suspended particles) with color (dissolved substances).
Final Answer: tintometer
Discussion & Comments