Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

For my science project I need to measure the sugar concentration of fruits (specifically their juices, not the whole fruit), and I am considering to purchase a refracometer, and maybe building a homemade one, to measure the sugar level. Does anyone know if anyother substance inside the fruits, like vitamins, would affect the results? and also does a refractometer only measure a specific type of sugar, like glucose, or just sugar in general?

BeAvidForDavid wrote:For my science project I need to measure the sugar concentration of fruits (specifically their juices, not the whole fruit), and I am considering to purchase a refracometer, and maybe building a homemade one, to measure the sugar level. Does anyone know if anyother substance inside the fruits, like vitamins, would affect the results? and also does a refractometer only measure a specific type of sugar, like glucose, or just sugar in general?

Hello, BeAvidForDavid!

Your two questions are awesome research topics. I just did a quick search on the web, and I found many sources that can help answer your questions. Specifically, read about "Degrees Brix" for a discussion of what the refractometer actually measures. An understanding of what a refractometer measures and how that relates to the sugar content is good reference material to include in your project.

Best wishes on this interesting project!