Thermometer measures the amount of infra-red radiation only

In summary, the conversation is discussing the properties of thermometers and how they measure infrared radiation. It is explained that matter only expands or contracts when there is a change in infrared radiation levels. It is also mentioned that mercury thermometers work on the principle of mercury expansion with an increase in temperature. Additionally, it is clarified that all wavelengths of electromagnetic waves have a thermal effect, but the chemical effect increases with wavelength and the heating effect decreases with a decrease in wavelength.
  • #1
primarygun
233
0
A thermometer measures the amount of infrared radiation only, right?
so, if equivalent amount of visible light is illustrated on the bulb, the temperature for the infrared rises much more, doesn't it?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
That doesn't make sense to me. What do you mean by "temperature for the infra-red"? "Rises much more" than what?
 
  • #3
Matter expands or contracts only when there's change of the infrared radiation level but not other electromagnetic wave, doesn't it?
 
  • #4
If you are talking about ordinary Thermometers , they work on the property of mercury expansion on increase in temperature , the rise of mercury in tube gives us the degree celsius . Apart from that I cannot decipher what you mean in your question.

BJ
 
  • #5
Mercury thermometers show how much a mecury column expands as it gains heat energy. Or contracts as it loses heat energy.

Any flavor of light that can be absorbed by an object adds energy to the object it "shines" on. Like a car with closed windows left in a parking lot heating with exposure to sun light.

Infa-red is light that has a wavelength a little longer than light that is visible to humans. Some animals can perceive some infa-red light with their eyes or with special organs like Jacobsen's organ in pit vipers. Humans cannot see infa-red, but we can perceive it as "heat" when it is hitting our skin. I think this is your confusion - you feel infa-red as heat, so you assume, incorrectly, that all heat is infa-red light.
 
  • #6
The heating effect of electromagnetic waves decreases with decrease in wavelength and the chemical effect increases with wavelength. Thus the electromagnetic waves of all wavelengths have thermal effect, may be more or less.
 

1. What is a thermometer and how does it work?

A thermometer is an instrument used to measure temperature. It works by using a temperature-sensitive material, such as mercury or alcohol, which expands or contracts in response to changes in temperature. This expansion or contraction is then converted into a numerical value, which is displayed on the thermometer's scale.

2. What is infra-red radiation and how does a thermometer measure it?

Infra-red radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than visible light. A thermometer measures the amount of infra-red radiation by using a sensor that is sensitive to this type of radiation. As the temperature increases, the amount of infra-red radiation emitted also increases, causing the sensor to detect and measure it.

3. Is infra-red radiation the only type of radiation that thermometers measure?

No, thermometers can also measure other types of radiation, such as visible light and ultraviolet radiation. However, the most common type of radiation measured by thermometers is infra-red radiation, as it is the type most closely related to temperature.

4. Can a thermometer accurately measure the temperature of any object?

No, a thermometer can only accurately measure the temperature of an object if it is in thermal equilibrium with the object. In other words, the thermometer and the object must be at the same temperature for an accurate reading to be obtained. Additionally, the surface of the object being measured must be able to emit infra-red radiation.

5. Are there any limitations to using a thermometer to measure temperature?

Yes, there are several limitations to using a thermometer. One limitation is that the thermometer must be calibrated correctly in order to provide accurate readings. Other limitations include the sensitivity of the sensor and the effects of the surrounding environment, such as air currents or external heat sources, on the accuracy of the measurement.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
532
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
909
Replies
7
Views
847
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
25
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
8K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Thermodynamics
Replies
16
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
8K
Replies
42
Views
3K
Replies
29
Views
2K
Back
Top