Eudiometer

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A eudiometer is a device for measuring the change in volume of a gas mixture following combustion or single or double replacement reaction. In one form the device is a graduated cylinder, closed at the top end with the bottom end immersed in water or mercury. The liquid traps a sample of gas in the cylinder and the graduation allows measuring the volume of the gas. In the sealed end two platinum (chosen for its non-reactivity) wires are placed so an electric spark can be created between them. The electric spark can initiate reaction in the gas mixture and the graduation on the cylinder can be read to determine the change in volume resulting from the reaction. The name comes from the use to measure the goodness of air, from the Greek for clear air plus the word meter.