Which is an instrument used to measure the square of an object
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The instrument used to measure the square (area) of an object, especially in practical and technical fields, is a planimeter.
Correct Answer: Planimeter
Explanation
A planimeter is a precision instrument used to measure the area of a two-dimensional shape, particularly when the shape has irregular boundaries. This effectively means it is used to measure the square or area of an object—”square” in this context referring to square units (e.g., square centimeters, square meters), which are the units of area.
The principle of a planimeter is based on calculus and the geometric properties of curves. It mechanically integrates the shape’s boundary to calculate the area enclosed. A user traces the boundary of the shape on a flat surface using the tracer point of the planimeter, and the instrument calculates the area based on the path taken.
There are different types of planimeters:
- Polar Planimeter (most common)
- Linear Planimeter
- Digital Planimeter
Each type varies in design but functions similarly in measuring surface areas on maps, blueprints, or other flat representations. Digital planimeters can offer more convenience and accuracy, often displaying the area in real-time.
While planimeters are ideal for irregular shapes, rulers or measuring tapes can be used to measure regular shapes (like squares or rectangles). The length and width can be multiplied to obtain the area. However, these basic tools cannot accurately determine the area of irregular objects, where a planimeter excels.
In fields such as civil engineering, architecture, cartography, and biology (e.g., leaf area measurement), planimeters provide a practical way to determine the square or area without complex mathematical calculations.
In summary, while “square of an object” refers to its area in square units, the planimeter is the correct and specialized instrument used to measure this, especially for irregularly shaped objects.
