What is a nephelometer primarily used for?

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A nephelometer is primarily used for analyzing turbidity and particle size in solutions. This instrument works by measuring the intensity of light scattered by particles suspended in a liquid. When a beam of light passes through a sample, particles within that sample scatter the light at various angles. The amount and angle of scattered light can provide information about the concentration and size of the particles present.

The use of a nephelometer is particularly important in various fields, such as environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and quality control in manufacturing. By identifying how much light is scattered, laboratory technicians can assess the turbidity of the solution, which is indicative of the presence of particulate matter.

The other choices represent different analytical techniques and instruments, each serving distinct purposes. Measuring the transmission of light through a sample pertains to spectrophotometry, detecting specific wavelengths of light is characteristic of a spectrometer or photometer, and quantifying the concentration of gases typically involves gas chromatography or related methods. Each of these options is not aligned with the principle function of a nephelometer, reinforcing that option B is the most accurate representation of what a nephelometer does.

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