What function does a rotameter serve?

A rotameter is a type of flow meter that serves a critical purpose in various applications by visually indicating the flow rate of liquids or gases. It consists of a tapered tube and a float that rises and falls within the tube depending on the flow rate. As the fluid flows through the rotameter, the float moves to a position where the gravitational force acting on it is balanced by the upward drag force created by the fluid’s flow. The position of the float correlates directly to the flow rate, which can often be read off a scale printed on the side of the rotameter, providing a straightforward visual representation of how much fluid is passing through at any given time.

The other options present functions that do not apply to a rotameter. For example, measuring temperature, filtering contaminants, and safely storing chemicals involve different instruments and processes, which are not the primary purpose or capability of a rotameter. Understanding the specific function of the rotameter is essential in applications where monitoring fluid flow is necessary, such as in laboratories, industrial settings, and medical equipment.