refractometer flaw?

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ianmowat

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have read that refractometers give false reading in the presence of alcohol !!! have found this to be true...why ????
 
Because they measure the sugar content of the sample, not alcohol.
 
I am not completely sure, but if i had to suppose a guess, id say because the alcohol probably alters how the light is refracted (or bent) in the prism, therefore giving an innacurate reading.

Do a search for refractometer calibration chart or something like that, you'll find several charts that have been drawn up to take into account the presence of alcohol when reading a refractometer.
 
Just use a program or app to correct it. Simple
 

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