Chapter 5: Problem 7

A special glass thermometer is manufactured using a liquid that expands less than glass when the temperature increases. Assuming the thermometer does indicate the correct temperature, what is different about the scale on it?

Short Answer

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Answer: The scale markings on a thermometer using a liquid that expands less than glass would be "compressed" compared to a traditional thermometer, with temperature units having smaller spacing between them. This is due to the glass expanding more than the liquid, causing the liquid level to rise less in the glass tube as temperature increases.

Step by step solution

Understanding regular thermometer scale markings

In a regular thermometer, the liquid expands at a rate higher than the glass, so as the temperature increases, the liquid moves up the glass tube. The scale is marked in units of temperature (e.g., degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit) based on this expansion.

Analyzing the special glass thermometer's behavior

In the special glass thermometer, the liquid expands less than the glass. As the temperature increases, both the glass and the liquid expand. However, the glass expands more, so the level of liquid inside the glass tube does not rise as much.

Determining the scale differences

Since the liquid in the special thermometer expands less than the glass, the scale markings will be different from a regular thermometer. Due to the glass expanding more than the liquid, the distance between the temperature markings will be smaller. In other words, the scale will be "compressed" compared to a traditional thermometer, with temperature units having smaller spacing between them. Despite these differences in scale markings, the special thermometer can still indicate the correct temperature due to the unique properties of the liquid.

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A special glass thermometer is manufactured using a liquid that expands less than glass when the temperature increases. Assuming the thermometer does indicate the correct temperature, what is different about the scale on it?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding regular thermometer scale markings

Analyzing the special glass thermometer's behavior

Determining the scale differences

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