Temperature Concept: Emperical vs Thermodynamic

In summary, the difference between empirical and thermodynamic temperature lies in their defining principles. Empirical temperature is based on a specific property of a substance or system, while thermodynamic temperature is based on the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Thermodynamic temperature is measured by linking readings from a gas thermometer to the thermodynamic scale.
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M. next
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what is the difference between emperical and thermodynamic temperature?
 
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An empirical temperature is defined as linearly related to some specific property of a substance or system, such as its electrical resistance. So if we had a copper resistance thermometer and a platinum resistance thermometer and calibrated them at the ice and steam point, there'd be no reason to expect them to give exactly the same reading at some intermediate temperature.

Thermodynamic temperature is based, not on the property of a particular substance, but upon the universally applicable Second Law of Thermodynamics. To measure temperatures on this scale we have to have a theory which links readings (on say a gas thermometer) to the thermodynamic scale. It turns out that for gases at very low densities, the thermodynamic temperature ratio is close to the ratio of gas pressures.
 
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M. next: Was this reply of any help? Does it need clarification? If so, where specifically?
 
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Thank you Philip. It is perfectly illustrated, I understood it.
 
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Empirical temperature refers to temperature measurements that are based on observations and experimental data. This type of temperature is typically measured using thermometers and is dependent on the properties of the material being measured, such as the expansion of a liquid in a thermometer.

On the other hand, thermodynamic temperature is based on the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, specifically the relationship between temperature and the entropy of a system. This type of temperature is measured using the Kelvin scale and is independent of the properties of the material being measured.

The main difference between empirical and thermodynamic temperature is that empirical temperature is based on direct measurements, while thermodynamic temperature is based on theoretical principles. Empirical temperature is also dependent on the material being measured, while thermodynamic temperature is a universal scale that applies to all systems.

In summary, empirical temperature is a practical and tangible measurement, while thermodynamic temperature is a theoretical concept that is used to describe the behavior of systems at the molecular level. Both concepts are important in understanding and measuring temperature, but they approach it from different perspectives.
 

What is the difference between empirical and thermodynamic temperature?

Empirical temperature is based on observations and measurements, while thermodynamic temperature is based on the laws of thermodynamics and the absolute zero point.

Which temperature scale is considered empirical?

The Fahrenheit and Celsius scales are considered empirical, as they are based on observable phenomena such as the freezing and boiling points of water.

What is the significance of the absolute zero point in thermodynamic temperature?

The absolute zero point, which is the lowest possible temperature, serves as the reference point for the thermodynamic temperature scale and allows for the calculation of absolute temperatures.

How are empirical and thermodynamic temperature related?

Empirical and thermodynamic temperature are related through conversion equations, allowing for the conversion between different temperature scales. However, they are fundamentally different concepts and have different underlying principles.

Which temperature concept is more accurate?

Thermodynamic temperature is considered more accurate as it is based on fundamental laws of physics and does not rely on human observations or measurements. Empirical temperature can be affected by external factors and is subject to human error.

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