How Do Scientists Measure Extreme Temperatures in Various Environments?

[helloween0908]

This is actually a question extracted from the physics book by Halliday.
How would you suggest measuring the temperature of (a) the Sun, (b) the Earth's upper atmosphere, (c) an insect, (d) the Moon, (e) the ocean floor and (f) liquid Helium?
Thanks first.

 

[Vanadium 50]

There's a section her devoted to homework problems. You'll also have to tell us how far you got and where you got stuck. We'll help you, but won't do it for you.

To get you thinking in a non-obvious direction, the answer to e) is 4C. Think about how I knew that without measuring anything and it will guide you to the solution.

 

[astrokreng]

(a) To measure the temperature of the Sun, we can use a device called a pyrometer, which measures the infrared radiation emitted by the Sun. This method is commonly used by astronomers to measure the temperature of stars.

(b) To measure the temperature of the Earth's upper atmosphere, we can use weather balloons or satellites equipped with temperature sensors. These sensors can measure the temperature at different altitudes in the atmosphere.

(c) To measure the temperature of an insect, we can use a thermometer designed for small-scale measurements, such as a thermocouple or a thermistor. These devices can be inserted into the insect's body to accurately measure its internal temperature.

(d) To measure the temperature of the Moon, we can use a similar method as measuring the temperature of the Earth's upper atmosphere. We can use temperature sensors on satellites or rovers to collect data on the Moon's surface temperature.

(e) To measure the temperature of the ocean floor, we can use deep-sea probes or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) equipped with temperature sensors. These devices can measure the temperature at different depths in the ocean.

(f) To measure the temperature of liquid helium, we can use a thermometer designed to measure extremely low temperatures, such as a cryogenic thermometer. This type of thermometer uses the properties of materials at very low temperatures to accurately measure the temperature of the liquid helium.