Internal energy and heat question.

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SUMMARY

To determine the error in a mercury thermometer at the 100°C mark, one must utilize steam at normal atmospheric pressure, which is 100°C. If the thermometer reads 103°C at this point, it indicates a positive error of 3°C. Consequently, at 50°C, the thermometer would register 47°C, assuming no zero error. It is crucial to note atmospheric pressure as it affects the boiling point of water and, therefore, the accuracy of the thermometer readings.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic principles, specifically the behavior of mercury thermometers.
  • Knowledge of atmospheric pressure and its effect on boiling points.
  • Familiarity with experimental setup and measurement techniques in thermometry.
  • Ability to interpret and create labeled sketches of scientific apparatus.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of thermometry and the operation of mercury thermometers.
  • Learn about the effects of atmospheric pressure on boiling points and temperature measurements.
  • Study how to conduct experiments to determine measurement errors in thermometers.
  • Explore the concept of fixed points in thermometry, including the upper fixed point using steam.
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Students in physics or chemistry, laboratory technicians, and anyone involved in temperature measurement and calibration processes.

lionely
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how would you determine an error at the 100C mark in a given mercury thermometer?Your answer should consist of a labelled sketch of the apparatus you would use and brief notes on procedure. Why is it important, at the same time, to note the atmospheric pressure? If the thermometer registers 103 at 100C and has no zero error what will it register at 50C.

To determine the error could you put it in pure steam and see if the mercury goes past 100? That means the graduations would have been wrong. I'm not sure.

Please help me, give me a hint please!
 
Last edited:
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You are on the right track. Steam at normal atmospheric pressure is 100 Celsius
 
Oh! That means he's finding the upper fixed point at a low pressure?
 

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