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Anemometer - Definition, Types, Diagram, FAQs

Anemometer - Definition, Types, Diagram, FAQs

Edited By Vishal kumar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:04 PM IST

In this article, we discuss anemometers. Physics is all about measurement. We measure pressure, length, mass, force, velocity, and many more quantities. We can also measure the speed of the wind. How to measure wind speed? There is a wind speed measuring device that can measure the speed of wind( or speed of air is measured ) by an instrument called an anemometer. An anemometer picture is shown in fig.Anemometer

Anemometer - Definition, Types, Diagram, FAQs
Anemometer - Definition, Types, Diagram, FAQs

Key points:-

  • Anemometer
  • What is anemometer
  • Anemometer uses
  • Anemometer diagram
  • An Anemometer measures
  • How to make an anemometer
  • The velocity of wind is measured by
  • Wind speed is measured by / wind speed measurement unit
  • anemometer how it works
  • Anemometer definition

Also read -

How is wind measured?

An anemometer is used to measure the speed of the wind and the direction of the wind. We can define an anemometer as it is a device that measures the speed, pressure, and direction of the wind or it is the instrument to measure the wind speed. It counts the number of rotations of cups to calculate the speed of the wind. So, this instrument check wind speed. Who invented the anemometer? Leon Battista Alberti is the first one who invented the anemometer. Later in the 19th-century, the cup anemometer was invented by Irish scientist Thomson Romney Robinson. It is used by meteorologists. With the help of the speed and direction of the wind, meteorologists predict the weather. In Anemometer, the ‘Anemo’ word is derived from the Greek whose meaning is wind. An Anemometer meaning-an instrument that measures the speed of the wind. An anemometer meaning in Hindi- पवनवेगमापी | anemometer meaning in Tamil- அனிமோமீட்டர் |

  • Anemometer units:- It measures the speed of wind in feet per minute (FPM).
  • Wind speed measurement:- Wind speed is measured in Km/hr, miles/hour, and feet/second.

The wind speed unit in SI is m/s which is recommended by the World Meteorological Organization.

Wind speed definition is the rate at which air is flowing in a particular area.

Related Topics Link,

What is a anemometer used for/ what is the use of anemometer:-

Anemometer use:-

  • An Anemometer is used to measure the airflow from the air conditioner, heating devices, and ventilation ducts, etc.
  • A wind anemometer is used to measure the pressure of wind
  • It is used to measure the quality of wind and to know the upcoming weather.
  • It is used to measure the rate of flow of air etc.

Wind pressure is measured by/the speed of wind is measured by /speed of air is measured by an anemometer.

Types of anemometer:-

  • Cup anemometer
  • Vane anemometer
  • Hot Wire anemometer
  • Laser doppler anemometer
  • Acoustic resonance meter
  • Ultrasonic anemometer
  • Ping-pong ball anemometer
  • Cup anemometer:- Irish scientist Thomson Romney Robinson invented this anemometer in 1845. It is also known as the Robinson cup anemometer. It consists of three or four cups that are attached to the horizontal pole. As the wind starts, cups start to spin and count the speed of wind which displays on the digital screen. It is composed of, so we can easily hold it in our hand and also it is mounted on the buildings or sailboats. Wind speed is measured with the anemometer.

The Cup anemometer diagram is shown in fig.

Cup anemometer Cup anemometer

  • Vane anemometer:- Wind vane anemometer, the anemometer is used to measure the speed as well as the direction of the wind. The axis of the vane anemometer is parallel to the direction of the wind. A propeller and the tail on the same axis are present in the anemometer and give precise and accurate reading than the cup anemometer. As the speed of the wind is high the rate of the propeller is also high.
    Vane anemometer

NCERT Physics Notes :

  • NCERT Notes class 11 physics
  • NCERT Notes class 12 physics
  • NCERT Notes for all subject
  • Hot-wire anemometer:- Hot-wire anemometer is used to measure the speed and pressure of the wind. A fine wire is electrically heated to some specific temperature. As the wind flows beyond the wire cools the wire. It gives a quick and accurate response to the velocity of the wind. Constant current anemometer ( CCA ), Constant voltage anemometer ( CVA), and constant-temperature anemometer ( CTA) are the types of hotwire anemometer.

    Hot wire anemometer
  • Laser doppler anemometer:- It is a setup that is the most accurate anemometer than any other device. In this, a laser beam is used which is split into two beams. One of the beams propagates out of the anemometer and flows along with air molecules where the beam exits to reflect the light back into a detector. Here it is measured relative to the original laser beam. They produce a Doppler shift when the particles are in great motion for measuring the speed of the wind. In Jet engines or river hydrology, this type of anemometer is used.
    Laser Doppler anemometer
  • Ultrasonic anemometer:- It uses ultrasonic sound waves to measure the wind velocity. By sending the sound waves between the transducer we can calculate the speed of the wind. It has no moving parts and no need for calibration. It is expensive but being weather compatible means there is a negligible effect of weather on it. There are two types of ultrasonic anemometer: two dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasonic anemometer.
    Three dimensional ultrasonic anemometerTwo dimensional anemometer.
  • Acoustic resonance anemometer:- It is the modified variant of the sonic anemometer. Savvas Kapartis in 1999 developed the technique of acoustic resonance anemometer.
    Acoustic resonance anemometer
  • Ping-pong ball anemometer:- It is a very basic construction that is made from the ping-pong ball attached to the string. The ball is very lightweight so it can easily be moved by the wind. It is mainly used in the school to teach the kids.
    Ping-pong ball anemometer

Also read :

How does an anemometer work?

Anemometer working:- Anemometer working principle is that when the wind hits the cups of an anemometer. They start to spin and by counting the rotations of cups we can know the speed of the wind. With the help of this principle, the speed of the wind is measured by an anemometer.

An anemometer function is to measure speed and pressure of the wind.

Anemometer model:- How to make an anemometer at home?

We need some material and we can easily make a cup anemometer at home.

5 paper cups

Scissors

Hole punch

Duct tape

Empty water bottle

Three thin wooden dowels
Anemometer modelAnemometer model

Method:- Do the hole in the sides of four cups with the help of a hole punch. Punch the four holes in that one left cup (which is used in the center) opposite to each other just below the rim. After that put two wooden dowels in the hole of this cup as shown in fig. Now put the ends of these straws in the hole of the other four cups and tape them carefully so that they can easily move. Insert the third wooden dowels from the bottom of the centered cup until it meets the two wooden dowels. Now tape them carefully to make sure all cups are in the same direction. Insert the center wooden dowel inside the empty bottle and your anemometer is ready for the test. This is all-important anemometer information.

Also check-

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the use of an anemometer?

An anemometer is used to measure wind speed.

2. Who is the anemometer inventor?

 Leon Battista Alberti is the inventor of anemometer.

3. speed measuring device name. Or the velocity of wind is measured by

The instrument to measure wind speed of wind is an anemometer. 

4. What is the purpose of an anemometer?

The purpose of an anemometer is to measure the speed of the wind.

5. What is the unit of speed of the wind?

Wind speed is expressed in meters per second. 

6. Write the wind measurement unit.

Knots.

7. What is an anemometer and what does it measure?
An anemometer is a device used to measure wind speed and sometimes wind direction. It typically consists of cups or propellers that rotate in response to wind, allowing it to calculate wind velocity.
8. How does a cup anemometer work?
A cup anemometer has three or four hemispherical cups mounted on horizontal arms. As the wind blows, it catches the cups, causing them to rotate. The speed of rotation is directly proportional to the wind speed, which is then measured and displayed.
9. What is the difference between a cup anemometer and a vane anemometer?
A cup anemometer measures wind speed using rotating cups, while a vane anemometer uses a propeller to measure wind speed and a tail to determine wind direction. Vane anemometers can measure both speed and direction simultaneously.
10. Can an anemometer measure wind direction?
Some types of anemometers, like vane anemometers, can measure both wind speed and direction. However, traditional cup anemometers only measure wind speed and require an additional wind vane to determine direction.
11. What are the main components of a basic cup anemometer?
The main components of a basic cup anemometer include: hemispherical cups (usually three or four), horizontal arms supporting the cups, a vertical shaft, and a device to measure the rotation speed (like a counter or generator).
12. How does wind speed affect the rotation of an anemometer?
As wind speed increases, the rotation speed of the anemometer's cups or propeller increases proportionally. This relationship allows the device to calculate wind speed based on the rotation rate.
13. What is a hot-wire anemometer?
A hot-wire anemometer is a type that uses a heated wire or film. As air flows over the wire, it cools it, changing its electrical resistance. By measuring this change, the device can determine wind speed with high precision.
14. How do digital anemometers differ from traditional mechanical ones?
Digital anemometers use electronic sensors to measure wind speed and often provide additional features like data logging, temperature measurement, and digital displays. They can be more accurate and offer more functions than traditional mechanical anemometers.
15. Why are anemometers important in meteorology?
Anemometers are crucial in meteorology for accurately measuring wind speed and direction, which are essential for weather forecasting, climate studies, and understanding atmospheric patterns.
16. How do ultrasonic anemometers work?
Ultrasonic anemometers measure wind speed by sending ultrasonic pulses between transducers and measuring the time it takes for the pulses to travel. Wind affects the travel time, allowing the device to calculate wind speed and direction without moving parts.
17. What factors can affect the accuracy of an anemometer?
Factors affecting anemometer accuracy include: calibration, environmental conditions (like temperature and humidity), obstructions in the surrounding area, and the quality and type of the anemometer itself.
18. How is an anemometer calibrated?
Anemometers are typically calibrated in wind tunnels where known wind speeds are generated. The device's readings are compared to these known speeds, and adjustments are made to ensure accuracy across a range of wind velocities.
19. What is the Beaufort scale, and how does it relate to anemometer readings?
The Beaufort scale is a system for estimating wind speed based on observed conditions. Anemometer readings can be correlated with the Beaufort scale to provide a standardized description of wind conditions, from calm to hurricane force.
20. How do anemometers contribute to renewable energy development?
Anemometers are essential in wind energy projects for assessing wind resources at potential sites. They help determine the feasibility and optimal placement of wind turbines by providing long-term wind speed and direction data.
21. What is the difference between a 2D and 3D anemometer?
A 2D anemometer measures wind speed and direction in a horizontal plane, while a 3D anemometer can measure wind components in all three spatial dimensions, including vertical air movements, which is useful for studying complex wind patterns.
22. How do anemometers function in extreme weather conditions?
Specialized anemometers are designed to withstand extreme conditions. They may use heated elements to prevent icing, robust materials to resist high winds, or special coatings to protect against saltwater in marine environments.
23. What is the principle behind a laser Doppler anemometer?
A laser Doppler anemometer uses the Doppler effect to measure wind speed. It emits a laser beam and measures the frequency shift of light scattered by particles in the air, allowing it to calculate wind velocity without any physical moving parts.
24. How do anemometers contribute to aviation safety?
Anemometers at airports provide crucial wind information for pilots during takeoff and landing. They help determine runway usage, warn of dangerous crosswinds, and contribute to overall flight safety by providing real-time wind data.
25. What is the difference between instantaneous and average wind speed measurements?
Instantaneous wind speed is a measurement at a specific moment, while average wind speed is calculated over a set period (e.g., 10 minutes). Anemometers often provide both to give a comprehensive picture of wind conditions.
26. How do portable anemometers differ from fixed weather station anemometers?
Portable anemometers are handheld devices designed for spot measurements in various locations. Fixed weather station anemometers are permanently installed and provide continuous data for a specific site, often with higher accuracy and additional features.
27. What is wind shear, and how can anemometers detect it?
Wind shear is a sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance. Multiple anemometers placed at different heights or locations can detect wind shear by comparing their readings, which is crucial for aviation and meteorology.
28. How do anemometers contribute to building design and urban planning?
Anemometers help architects and urban planners understand wind patterns in cities. This information is used to design buildings that can withstand local wind conditions and to plan cities in ways that mitigate unwanted wind effects like tunneling.
29. What is the role of anemometers in sports?
In sports like sailing, golf, and athletics, anemometers are used to measure wind speed and direction. This information can affect strategy, performance, and in some cases, the validity of records (e.g., sprint times in athletics).
30. How do anemometers interface with other weather instruments?
Anemometers are often part of integrated weather stations. They work alongside instruments like thermometers, barometers, and hygrometers to provide a comprehensive picture of weather conditions, often feeding data into centralized systems.
31. What is the difference between a propeller anemometer and a cup anemometer?
A propeller anemometer uses a propeller-like blade that faces into the wind, while a cup anemometer uses hemispherical cups. Propeller anemometers are often more responsive to wind direction changes but may be less durable than cup anemometers.
32. How do anemometers contribute to climate change research?
Anemometers provide long-term wind data that helps scientists track changes in wind patterns over time. This information is crucial for understanding climate change effects on atmospheric circulation and for validating climate models.
33. What is the importance of sampling rate in digital anemometers?
The sampling rate determines how frequently the anemometer takes measurements. Higher sampling rates can capture rapid wind fluctuations, which is important for studying turbulence or for applications requiring high-resolution data.
34. How do anemometers measure very low wind speeds?
Some specialized anemometers, like hot-wire or sonic anemometers, can measure very low wind speeds. They use sensitive sensors or principles like heat transfer or sound wave propagation to detect subtle air movements.
35. What is the role of anemometers in air quality monitoring?
Anemometers help in understanding the dispersion of pollutants by measuring wind speed and direction. This data is crucial for predicting air quality, tracking the spread of pollutants, and planning emission control strategies.
36. How do anemometers contribute to agricultural practices?
In agriculture, anemometers help farmers make decisions about crop spraying, irrigation, and frost protection. They also aid in predicting pollen dispersal and assessing the risk of wind damage to crops.
37. What is the principle behind a pitot tube anemometer?
A pitot tube anemometer measures wind speed by comparing the pressure of moving air to static pressure. It uses the principle that faster-moving air creates lower pressure, allowing it to calculate wind speed from pressure differences.
38. How do anemometers function in space or on other planets?
Anemometers for space or planetary exploration are specially designed to function in extreme environments and low-density atmospheres. They may use principles like thermal dispersion or pressure differences to measure wind in these unique conditions.
39. What is the importance of anemometer height in meteorological measurements?
The height of an anemometer affects its readings due to the boundary layer effect. Standard meteorological measurements are typically taken at 10 meters above the ground to provide consistent data and minimize ground interference.
40. How do anemometers contribute to wind turbine efficiency?
Anemometers on wind turbines provide real-time wind data, allowing the turbine to adjust its orientation and blade pitch for optimal energy generation. This improves efficiency and helps protect the turbine from damaging high winds.
41. What is the difference between scalar and vector wind measurements?
Scalar wind measurements only consider wind speed, while vector measurements include both speed and direction. Vector measurements provide more comprehensive wind information, which is crucial for many meteorological and engineering applications.
42. How do anemometers account for air density variations?
Some advanced anemometers include temperature and pressure sensors to calculate air density. This allows them to provide more accurate wind speed measurements across different atmospheric conditions and altitudes.
43. What is the role of anemometers in studying atmospheric boundary layers?
Anemometers help scientists understand the complex wind patterns in the atmospheric boundary layer. By placing anemometers at different heights, researchers can study how wind speed and direction change near the Earth's surface.
44. How do anemometers contribute to severe weather warnings?
Anemometers provide crucial data for detecting and predicting severe weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes. Sudden changes in wind speed or direction can indicate the approach of dangerous weather conditions.
45. What is the principle behind a sonic anemometer?
Sonic anemometers measure wind speed by timing ultrasonic pulses between pairs of transducers. Wind affects the travel time of these pulses, allowing the device to calculate wind speed and direction in three dimensions with high accuracy.
46. How do anemometers function in marine environments?
Marine anemometers are designed to withstand corrosion from saltwater and spray. They often use materials like stainless steel or special coatings and may have additional features to compensate for ship movement when used on vessels.
47. What is the importance of response time in anemometer design?
Response time is crucial for capturing rapid wind fluctuations. Faster response times allow anemometers to measure turbulence and gusts more accurately, which is important in applications like aviation and wind energy.
48. How do anemometers contribute to sports performance analysis?
In sports like cycling, sailing, and ski jumping, anemometers provide data on wind conditions that can significantly affect performance. This information helps athletes and coaches optimize strategies and understand performance variations.
49. What is the role of anemometers in fire weather forecasting?
Anemometers are crucial in fire weather forecasting as wind speed and direction greatly influence fire behavior. They help predict fire spread, plan firefighting strategies, and issue warnings for potentially dangerous fire conditions.
50. How do anemometers contribute to building energy efficiency?
Anemometers help in assessing natural ventilation potential in buildings. By understanding local wind patterns, architects can design structures that maximize natural airflow, reducing the need for artificial cooling and improving energy efficiency.
51. What is the principle behind a pressure plate anemometer?
A pressure plate anemometer uses a flat plate facing the wind. The force exerted on the plate is measured and used to calculate wind speed. This type is simple but less common than cup or propeller anemometers.
52. How do anemometers contribute to air traffic control?
Anemometers at airports provide real-time wind data crucial for air traffic control. This information helps controllers and pilots make decisions about takeoff and landing directions, and alerts them to dangerous wind conditions like wind shear.
53. What is the importance of anemometer placement in wind resource assessment?
Proper anemometer placement is crucial in wind resource assessment for renewable energy projects. Factors like terrain, obstacles, and height affect wind patterns, so careful siting is necessary to obtain representative data for potential wind farm locations.
54. How do anemometers contribute to microclimate studies in urban areas?
Anemometers help researchers understand how buildings and urban structures affect local wind patterns. This information is valuable for urban planning, studying heat island effects, and designing comfortable outdoor spaces in cities.
55. What is the role of anemometers in studying atmospheric pollution dispersion?
Anemometers provide essential data on wind speed and direction for modeling how pollutants disperse in the atmosphere. This information is crucial for predicting air quality, planning emission control strategies, and understanding the spread of airborne contaminants.
56. How do anemometers contribute to the study of wind erosion in geology?
Anemometers help geologists study wind erosion processes by providing data on wind speeds and patterns. This information is crucial for understanding how wind shapes landscapes, particularly in arid regions, and for predicting soil erosion risks in agriculture.

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Questions related to

Have a question related to ?

Question : Directions: Words given on the left side of (::) are related to each other by some Logic/Rule/Relation. Select the missing word/word pair on the right side of (::) from the given alternatives based on the same Logic/Rule/Relation.
Hygrometer : Humidity :: Anemometer : ?

Option 1: Wind

Option 2: Temperature

Option 3: Length

Option 4: Current

Correct Answer: Wind


Solution : Given:
Hygrometer : Humidity :: Anemometer : ?

Like, a Hygrometer is used to measure Humidity.
Similarly, the Anemometer is used to measure Wind.

Hence, the first option is correct.

Read Complete Answer
Team Careers360 25 January,2024

Question : An anemometer measures which of the following?

Option 1: Speed of light

Option 2: Speed of wind

Option 3: Speed of water current

Option 4: Speed of satellites

Correct Answer: Speed of wind


Solution : The correct answer is the Speed of wind.

An anemometer is a tool that is used to measure wind speed, and it is commonly used in weather stations. According to historical records, this device was first invented by Leon Battista Alberti in 1450. Later, in 1845, Rev Dr. John Thomas Romney Robinson developed an improved version of the anemometer, which is a simpler type of device.

Read Complete Answer
Team Careers360 09 January,2024

Question : Directions: Select the word pair in which the words are related in the same way as the words are related in the following pair.
Hygrometer : Humidity

Option 1: Thermometer : Blood Pressure

Option 2: Anemometer : Current

Option 3: Screw Gauge : Heat

Option 4: Ammeter : Electric Current

Correct Answer: Ammeter : Electric Current


Solution : Given:
Hygrometer : Humidity (The hygrometer measures Humidity.)

Let's check the given options –
First option: Thermometer : Blood Pressure; A Thermometer measures body temperature, not blood pressure.
Second option: Anemometer : Current; Anemometer measures wind speed, not current.
Third option: Screw Gauge : Heat; Screw gauge is used to measure small distances.
Fourth option: Ammeter : Electric Current; Ammeter is used to measure electric current.

So, only the fourth option follows the same logic as the given word pair. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

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Team Careers360 17 January,2024

Question : Which of the following pairings is incorrect?

Option 1: Hygrometer- water vapour content of the atmosphere

Option 2: Lactometer - Specific gravity of liquids

Option 3: Anemometer- Speed of the wind

Option 4: Seismograph- Earthquakes

Correct Answer: Lactometer - Specific gravity of liquids


Solution : The correct option is the Lactometer - specific gravity of liquids.

A hydrometer or lactometer is a device that uses the concept of buoyancy to measure the density or relative density of liquids. Typically, they are graduated and calibrated using one or more scales, like specific gravity. A lactometer measures the specific gravity of milk, not liquids in general. It gauges milk density to assess its composition. Specific gravity is the ratio of a substance's density to the density of a reference substance, usually water. The lactometer is specific to assessing milk density, not that of all liquids.

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