https://www.usc.edu/CSSF/History/2006/Projects/J1538.pdf
an interesting experiment
Total soluble solids (TSS) which is also called as Brix value or Refractive index. It is measured by the instrument called refractometer or Brix meter. Therefore, it also called as a Brix value. The values given in the meter ranges 0-100 as a percentage % . This value represent all the soluble solids i.e. sugar and food additives ( acids, colours, flavours, preservatives) present in the beverage. Soft drinks are carbonated, none alcoholic ready to drink beverages depend on type of beverage. The value may vary and if need to get the idea about the exact amount of sugar as a %, it is necessary deduct all the other % of food additives present ( need to calculate) in the particular product from the value of TSS or Brix value of product you have obtained from the brix meter or refractometer.
Refractive index is the ratio of the speed of light in vacuum to that in a sample. Sugar increases the RI of water (abt 1.33 for pure water) by a small but measurable amount. Other dissolved materials (like alcohol) also affect RI. RI is measured by the amount light bends when it goes from the sample to glass. The major influence on RI in soft drinks is sugar. RI is used as a means of measuring sugar content in soft drinks, fruit juice, honey, and other samples for which the liquid is almost entirely sugar and water. Many refractometers are actually graduated in mass percent sugar, called degrees Brix in this context. The measurement requires only a few drops and takes only a few seconds.
RI is not directly related to quality, only to sugar content.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Medicine
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Nutritional Medicine
- Food Science