Meteorology atmosphere temp question

[jg24]

Homework Statement

Could a liquid thermometer register a temperature of -273° C when the air temperature
is actually 500° C ? Where would this happen in the atmosphere, and why ?

The Attempt at a Solution

I have no idea. If someone could just give some possible tips on what it may be. I'm thinking that it could register a different temperature and it may have something to do with atmospheric pressure.

 

[Andre]

Maybe it helps to find the subdivisions of the atmosphere in wikipedia, finding a ...sphere with matching temperatures.

But the thermometer question is doubtful, as no fluids can reach that temperature. It should have said: Could a [strike]liquid[/strike] thermometer register a temperature of -273° C

 

[JohnRC]

The intention of the problem (when you look beyond the nonsensical idea of a liquid thermometer measuring a temperature of -273) hinges on the difference between heat and temperature, and how it would present itself at very low pressures.