How did H.K. Onnes measure temperature and resistivity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the methods used by H.K. Onnes to measure temperature and resistivity during his experiments with cryogenic temperatures and superconductivity. Participants explore the historical context and the equipment available at the time, particularly focusing on the accuracy of gas thermometers and resistance measurement techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that Onnes used a gas thermometer for measuring temperature but question its accuracy at cryogenic levels, particularly around 4.25K.
  • There is uncertainty about the reliability of gas thermometers for precise temperature measurements in the cryogenic range.
  • Participants discuss the historical context of resistance measurements, referencing Ohm's Law and suggesting that resistance could be measured using methods that do not require low temperatures.
  • One participant proposes that resistance measurements could be conducted at warmer temperatures, potentially using a Wheatstone bridge setup.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of information regarding the specific methods Onnes used for measuring resistance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the reliability of gas thermometers and the methods used for resistance measurement. There is no consensus on the specific equipment or techniques employed by Onnes.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in the available historical information regarding the exact equipment and methods used by Onnes, particularly concerning the accuracy of temperature and resistance measurements in cryogenic conditions.

DariusP
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How did H.K.Onnes measure temperature and resistivity?

As you know, Onnes is a dutch physicist that was the first person to liquefy helium and discover superconductivity a year or so later. I am wondering - what equipment was he using at that time? I couldn't find this information anywhere. Even nowadays measuring cryogenic temperatures is a huge challenge and I'm sure it would require expensive equipment.
 
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DariusP said:
How did H.K.Onnes measure temperature and resistivity?

As you know, Onnes is a dutch physicist that was the first person to liquefy helium and discover superconductivity a year or so later. I am wondering - what equipment was he using at that time? I couldn't find this information anywhere. Even nowadays measuring cryogenic temperatures is a huge challenge and I'm sure it would require expensive equipment.

Did you come across this already?

https://www.lorentz.leidenuniv.nl/history/cold/DelftKes_HKO_PT.pdf

Zz.
 
ZapperZ said:
Did you come across this already?

https://www.lorentz.leidenuniv.nl/history/cold/DelftKes_HKO_PT.pdf

Zz.
I have and it seems like he used a gas thermometer but is a gas thermometer really this accurate? At one point in the article he mentions that "the resistance of a platinum wire become constant at temperature of 4.25K". Can a gas thermometer measure temperature to a such degree of accuracy? I've never personally used it.
 
DariusP said:
I have and it seems like he used a gas thermometer but is a gas thermometer really this accurate? At one point in the article he mentions that "the resistance of a platinum wire become constant at temperature of 4.25K". Can a gas thermometer measure temperature to a such degree of accuracy? I've never personally used it.

If it says that, unless you have other evidence to the contrary, then that was what it was.

Zz.
 
ZapperZ said:
If it says that, unless you have other evidence to the contrary, then that was what it was.

Zz.
I do not see any information on how the resistance was measured though.
 
Where are you going with this? Resistances have been measured for decades before this - c.f. Ohm's Law.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Where are you going with this? Resistances have been measured for decades before this - c.f. Ohm's Law.
Well, if speaking about temperature, for example, a thermocouple starts to show high errors after -50 degrees of celsius and below. Not a reliable tool for cryogenic temperature measurements, basically. I've read, however, that Onnes used a gas thermometer. Perhaps it is reliable, I don't know. Now I am wondering what reliable tool did he use for resistance measurements...
 
I don't know what he used. But there is no reason to suspect unreliability because of cold, because the entire resistance measurement can be warm. In the simplest form, you have a battery and an ammeter in series with the cold thing you are testing. It's more likely that something more like a Wheatstone bridge was used, but in any event, you can always make this measurement warm.
 

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