Chapter U3.52, Problem 2E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : Construction of a temperature scale 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.

Answer to Problem 2E

To measure the temperature by thermometers a temperature scale needs to be designed for which minimum two points are needed; melting point and boiling point of water. Once these two points are marked, other points can be marked by dividing the length between these two points into regular intervals.

Explanation of Solution

To measure the temperature by thermometers one needs to design a temperature scale or a number line, on the thermometer tube to assign numbers to different temperatures. For this first minimum two points are needed; melting point and boiling point of water. Water can be taken for reference because water is easily available and has same melting point and boiling point at sea level. The height of the liquid in thermometer is marked at the melting point and boiling point of water. Once these two points are marked, other points can be marked by dividing the length between these two points into regular intervals. Each interval should correspond to one unit of temperature. The intervals measure other temperatures besides melting point and boiling point of water.

Conclusion

Two commonly used scales are the Celsius scale and the Fahrenheit scale. Most of the world and most scientists use Celsius scale while weather report in United States gives temperatures in Fahrenheit.