Constant Volume Gas thermometer

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Using different gases like nitrogen, oxygen, or hydrogen in a constant volume gas thermometer can yield slightly different pressure readings at fixed temperatures. The ratio of pressures, P1/P2, varies with the type of gas but tends to converge towards a similar value when gas density is reduced. This behavior aligns with the principles of ideal gas laws, where molecular interactions and volume become negligible. Ultimately, while the choice of gas can impact readings, under certain conditions, they can approximate the same results. Understanding these nuances is crucial for accurate temperature measurement in gas thermometers.
LukeeVassallo
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Hi,

Does it make a difference if you use nitrogen gas or oxygen gas or hydrogen gas in the bulb ? Or they all give the same readings given that an arbitrarily chosen constant if found for each ?

Many Thanks! :)
 
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is found for each* - sry my bad
 
Suppose that P1 and P2 are the pressures of the gas in the bulb at two fixed point temperatures (e.g.pure melting ice and steam above water boiling at standard pressure. We find that the ratio P1/P2 does depend slightly on the gas in the bulb, but if we reduce the density of the gases, the ratio converges towards the same value whatever gas we use. We are approaching an 'ideal' gas (because the attractive forces between molecules, and the fraction of container space taken up by the molecules themselves are becoming negligible).
 
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