6 Questions
What is the function of a thermometer?
To measure temperature
Which liquid is most commonly used in liquid thermometers?
Mercury
Why is mercury preferred in thermometers?
It expands uniformly and is easily visible
What is the purpose of the capillary tube in a liquid thermometer?
To hold the liquid and allow it to rise and fall uniformly
Which physical property of liquids is utilized in liquid thermometers?
Expansion and contraction with temperature
Why might alcohol be preferred over mercury in some thermometers?
It has a lower freezing point than mercury
Study Notes
Thermometers
- A thermometer is an instrument used to measure temperature.
- Thermometers use materials that have physical properties that change uniformly with temperature.
Liquid Thermometers
- Most commonly used type of thermometer.
- Characteristics: simple, inexpensive, long-lasting, and accurate.
- Working principle: liquids expand on heating and contract on cooling.
- Structure: long stem with a bulb at the end, temperatures marked on the stem in degrees.
- Components: bulb, capillary tube, and stem.
- Mercury is the commonly used liquid due to its high expansion rate and visibility.
- Alternative liquid: alcohol, which has a lower freezing point than mercury, making it suitable for very low temperatures.
- Alcohol thermometers are useful in extremely cold conditions.
Learn about thermometers, their characteristics, and working principles. Explore the structure and components of liquid thermometers, the most commonly used type.
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