Thermometric Properties and Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin Scales

All flashcards

What is a thermometric property?

A physical property that changes consistently and reproducibly with temperature and can be used to measure it.

How does a constant-volume gas thermometer relate pressure to temperature?

At constant volume, the gas pressure changes with temperature; its reading can be compared with a reference pressure and temperature.

What defines the triple point of water?

It is the unique temperature and pressure at which ice, liquid water, and water vapor coexist stably.

How do Celsius and Kelvin temperature differences compare?

They have equal-sized intervals: $\Delta T_C = \Delta T_K$.

How is a Celsius temperature converted to Fahrenheit?

Use $T_F = \frac{9}{5}T_C + 32$; the offset is needed for an actual temperature.

Quiz questions

1. What does absolute zero represent on the Kelvin scale?Answer: The lowest possible temperature, where average molecular kinetic energy is at its minimum allowed value.
2. At standard atmospheric pressure, what are water's freezing and boiling points on the Celsius scale?Answer: $0\,°\mathrm{C}$ and $100\,°\mathrm{C}$, respectively.
3. What is $25\,°\mathrm{C}$ expressed in kelvins?Answer: $298.15\,\mathrm{K}$
4. What makes the water triple point a useful temperature reference?Answer: It specifies a unique temperature and pressure where ice, liquid water, and vapor coexist stably.
5. Why are constant-volume gas thermometers mainly used as calibration standards rather than for routine measurements?Answer: They are large and slow to reach thermal equilibrium.