Question 457 of 949
Which type of thermometer uses the expansion of a liquid, typically mercury or alcohol, to measure temperature changes?
- Bimetallic thermometer
- Digital thermometer
- Liquid-in-glass thermometer
- Infrared thermometer
Correct Answer:
C
Explanation
The correct option is **C. Liquid-in-glass thermometer**.
### Detailed Explanation
1. **Understanding the Liquid-in-Glass Thermometer**:
- A liquid-in-glass thermometer consists of a glass tube that contains a liquid, usually mercury or colored alcohol.
- As the temperature increases, the liquid expands and rises in the tube. Conversely, when the temperature decreases, the liquid contracts and falls back down the tube.
- The height of the liquid column corresponds to the temperature, which can be read against a calibrated scale marked on the glass.
2. **Why This Answer is Correct**:
- The key feature of the liquid-in-glass thermometer is its reliance on the thermal expansion of liquids. Both mercury and alcohol expand uniformly with temperature changes, making them suitable for accurate temperature measurement.
- The design is simple and effective, allowing for a direct visual reading of temperature.
3. **Why the Other Options are Incorrect**:
- **A. Bimetallic thermometer**:
- This type of thermometer uses two different metals bonded together that expand at different rates when heated. The differential expansion causes the metal strip to bend, which moves a pointer on a dial. While it measures temperature, it does not use liquid expansion.
- **B. Digital thermometer**:
- Digital thermometers use electronic sensors (like thermocouples or thermistors) to measure temperature. They convert the temperature reading into a digital format for display. This method does not involve any liquid expansion.
- **D. Infrared thermometer**:
- Infrared thermometers measure the infrared radiation emitted by an object to determine its temperature. They do not use any liquid and are often used for non-contact temperature measurements.
### Formulas and Concepts
- **Thermal Expansion**: The principle behind the liquid-in-glass thermometer is based on the formula for linear expansion:
\[
\Delta L = L_0 \alpha \Delta T
\]
Where:
- \(\Delta L\) = change in length (or volume for liquids)
- \(L_0\) = original length (or volume)
- \(\alpha\) = coefficient of linear (or volumetric) expansion
- \(\Delta T\) = change in temperature
### Common Pitfalls
- **Confusing Types of Thermometers**: Students often confuse different types of thermometers. It's important to remember that the liquid-in-glass thermometer specifically uses liquid expansion, while others use different principles.
- **Misreading Scales**: When using a liquid-in-glass thermometer, ensure you read the scale at eye level to avoid parallax errors, which can lead to inaccurate readings.
### Revision Summary
- The **liquid-in-glass thermometer** measures temperature through the expansion of liquids like mercury or alcohol.
- It provides a direct visual reading based on the height of the liquid column in a glass tube.
- Other types of thermometers (bimetallic, digital, infrared) use different principles and do not involve liquid expansion.
- Understanding the working principle of each thermometer type is crucial for accurate temperature measurement.