Student Potometer ‘H’ type

Product Code : SCL-LG-11979

The Student Potometer H Type is a plant-physiology apparatus used for measuring water uptake by a leafy shoot as an indirect indicator of transpiration. It helps students, teachers and laboratory demonstrators observe capillary-bubble movement and compare how controlled environmental conditions influence the rate of water absorption.

Product Description

The H-type potometer uses a water-filled system with a plant connection, reservoir section and graduated capillary tube. As the leafy shoot takes up water, an introduced air bubble moves along the capillary. Its displacement over a measured time provides a comparative water-uptake rate.

The reservoir allows the bubble to be returned towards its starting position for another trial. Reliable observations require an airtight setup, a freshly cut shoot and stable experimental conditions. The specific bore, scale length, graduation interval and glass grade were not provided. Compare the design with the listed laboratory potometer.

Key Features

• H-type configuration: Integrates the plant connection, water reservoir and observation section in a compact arrangement.
• Graduated capillary: Provides a scale for recording air-bubble displacement over time.
• Visible water uptake: Converts water movement into an observable bubble-tracking activity.
• Resetting reservoir: Helps return the bubble towards its starting position between trials.
• Comparative experiments: Supports controlled investigations of light, air movement, humidity or temperature.
• No electrical power required: Operates through water uptake and capillary displacement.
• Student-focused design: Supports hands-on teaching of transpiration and plant water relations.

Technical Specifications

What’s Included in the Kit

• One Student Potometer H Type glass apparatus

A plant shoot, connecting tubing, rubber bung, support stand, clamp, timer and cutting tools are not confirmed as included. Verify the complete packing list before ordering.

Applications and Uses

• Demonstrating water uptake by a freshly cut leafy shoot.
• Estimating transpiration indirectly through capillary-bubble movement.
• Comparing water uptake under different light conditions.
• Investigating the effects of air movement, humidity or temperature.
• Calculating bubble displacement per unit of time.
• Teaching plant water relations and the transpiration stream.

Explore complementary practical apparatus in the biology laboratory equipment category.

How to Use the Student Potometer H Type

1. Inspect the glass apparatus for cracks, blocked passages or damaged ends.
2. Fill the entire potometer with water and remove unintended air bubbles.
3. Cut a healthy leafy shoot under water to reduce the risk of air entering the xylem.
4. Connect the shoot to the appropriate arm and make the joint airtight.
5. Introduce one observable air bubble into the capillary tube.
6. Record the bubble’s starting position and begin timing.
7. Measure the distance travelled during a fixed interval.
8. Use the reservoir to return the bubble towards its starting point.
9. Change one environmental variable and repeat while keeping other conditions constant.

Safety note: Wear eye protection and handle the glass apparatus carefully. Use cutting tools only under appropriate supervision. Never pressurise the system or force tubing onto fragile glass ends.

Care & Maintenance

• Rinse the apparatus after every experiment to prevent biological residue from blocking the capillary.
• Use a soft cleaning method that will not damage the graduations or narrow bore.
• Check all tubing and seals before use because air leakage invalidates the results.
• Store the clean, dry apparatus in a padded or compartmented cabinet.

Why Choose Science Lab Supplies?

Science Lab Supplies manufactures and exports scientific laboratory instruments, educational apparatus and experiment setups. Its range supports schools, colleges, universities and institutional science laboratories. Buyers can confirm the capillary scale, glass grade, supplied accessories and export packing before procurement. Related components are available under laboratory glassware.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an H-type student potometer measure?

It measures water uptake by a leafy shoot over time. This value is used as an indirect estimate of transpiration rather than a direct measurement of water vapour loss.

Why is an air bubble used?

The air bubble acts as a visible marker. Its movement along the capillary indicates water drawn into the shoot.

Does water uptake equal the exact transpiration rate?

No. Most absorbed water may be lost through transpiration, but some can be retained or used by the plant. The apparatus therefore provides an estimate.

Why should the shoot be cut under water?

Cutting under water helps prevent air from entering the xylem, which could interrupt the continuous water column.

Why must the apparatus be airtight?

Air leaks can move the bubble independently of water uptake and make the observations unreliable.

Can students compare different environmental conditions?

Yes. Students can change one factor, such as light or air movement, while maintaining consistent shoot size, time and other conditions.

Confirm the required capillary scale and supplied accessories, then browse more science laboratory equipment from Science Lab Supplies.

Recommended image ALT text: Student Potometer H Type glass apparatus with reservoir and graduated capillary for measuring plant water uptake.