Chapter U3.52, Problem 1E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : Method used to measure temperaturefrom height of a liquid is to be described.

Concept Introduction : Thermometer is an instrument used to measure temperature. It has a liquid which responds to increase or decrease in temperature. Temperature is degree of hotness or coldness.

Answer to Problem 1E

A liquid thermometer can be made by filling a glass tube with a liquid. The volume of the liquid in the thermometer changes as the temperature changes. This is manifested by change in height of the liquid.

The rise in height of the liquid in the thermometer tube indicates the rise in temperature while the drop in height is indicative of fall in temperature.

Explanation of Solution

Matter responds to change in temperature by displaying change in volume. Generally increase in temperature causes matter to expand while cooling makes the matter contract. This property of matter is used to measure temperature.

A simple liquid thermometer can be made by filling a glass tube with a liquid. The volume of the liquid in a thermometer changes as the temperature changes. This is manifested by change in height of the liquid. Since, volume and height are proportional to each other so increase in volume can be measured by increase in height.

When there is an increase in temperature, the liquid expands and increase in volume. This causes increase in height of liquid in the thermometer. The rise in height of the liquid in the thermometer tube indicates the rise in temperature while the drop in height is indicative of fall in temperature.

Conclusion

To make a liquid thermometer one needs to put a colored liquid in a glass or plastic tube and mark it with a scale.