Range of a thermometer - and bulb size

In summary: Range vs SensitivityIn summary, the size of the bulb (mercury) affects the range of the thermometer. If the bulb is large, then there will be more mercury - so that the range should increase. But if the bulb is larger - then it takes a longer time for the mercury to be heated up and would that limit its range?
  • #1
matthew77ask
45
0
I have a question.

How does the size of the bulb (mercury) affect the range of the thermometer?

I know that to increase the range, the bore size of the capillary tube should be large.

Would the size of the bulb affect the range?
If bulb is large - then there will be more mercury - so that the range should increase...

but if the bulb is larger - then it takes a longer time for the mercury to be heated up and would that limit its range?

Thanks for the help...


cheers !

sunny Singapore

Matthew
 
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  • #2
Matthew,

A simple (though pretty effective) model for thermal expansion of liquids gives the following equation:

[tex]
\triangle V = \beta V \triangle T
[/tex]

[tex]
\triangle V = \mbox{change in volume}
[/tex]
[tex]
\beta = \mbox{a constant that depends on what liquid you use}
[/tex]
[tex]
V = \mbox{volume}
[/tex]
[tex]
\triangle T = \mbox{change in temperature}
[/tex]

So we can see that having a larger volume of mercury to start with (as would be the case with a bigger bulb) would produce a bigger change in volume. So with a larger bulb, the mercury would expand further up the capillary with the same change in temperature. In this sense, yes, the bigger bulb would make the range increase. But then you have to think about what you mean by 'range'. The liquid will go further up the tube for the same temperature, but this actually means that, if you have a fixed tube-length, you will not be able to record as high of temperatures, because the same temperature will now make the fluid rise higher. For a concrete example, let's say that you have a thermometer that tops out at 100 C. If you now make the bulb bigger while leaving the length the same, 100 C will make the mercury rise higher than the top of your thermometer! It's new maximum might now be, say, 80 C. So, if by 'range', you mean the range of temperatures accessible by a fixed length of tube, then you would want a smaller bulb so that the liquid wouldn't rise as high as fast.
I hope that all makes sense. Let me know if some part doesn't, and I (or someone else), can try and clarify.

Peace,
Jason
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Sensitivity vs Range

Hi! I guess what you have mentioned here is that the range is dependent on how much liquid you have and far you allow that liquid to expand within your thermometer. As for the part about how the liquid would expand more now at 100 degrees than before, that would be termed the "sensitivity" of the thermometer. How much of a small change in temperature is observable by the thermometer...for the same bulb size, a narrower capillary tube would be more sensitive than a broad one.

However, I am facing difficulties trying to explain how the volume of the bulb affects sensitivity! Other than using the formula given in the previous post, is there a "non-formula" method that puts things on a more intuitive level that is easier for students to understand?
 
  • #4
If the liquid was only in the capilallary then the volume wouldn't make any difference to the sensitivity. Increase the temperature by 1% would increase volume by 1% and the height in the tube by 1%
But suppose there is a large bulb containing 99% of the mercury and the tube only holds 1%. Now a 1% increase in temperature again gives a 1%increase in volume but this doubles the amount in the tube and so gives a change in the height of 100% not 1%.
 
  • #5
But wouldn't the temperature change occur only at the bulb? Assuming that the thermometer is used correctly? So the volume changes first in the bulb then gets propagated through the rest of the liquid right?
 
  • #6
Almost all the liquid is in the bulb, it expands and pushes the liquid up the column. It really doesn't matter if the small proportion of liquid in the tube exapnds or not ( it will because of conduction in the liquid)
 
  • #7
Thank you all for the enlightenment! Appreciate it!
 
  • #8
How does one go about improving the sensitivity of a liquid in glass thermometer. Is the volume of the bulb the only factor? If 2 thermometers have the same range, same volume of liquid but one has a narrow long bulb while the other has a round thick bulb, which of the 2 will be more sensitive?
 

1. What is the range of a thermometer?

The range of a thermometer refers to the minimum and maximum temperatures that it is capable of measuring. This can vary depending on the type of thermometer, but most commonly, the range is from -10 degrees Celsius to 110 degrees Celsius.

2. How does the size of the bulb affect the range of a thermometer?

The size of the bulb on a thermometer can affect its range by influencing the sensitivity of the instrument. A larger bulb will have a larger surface area, allowing for more accurate readings of small temperature changes. However, larger bulbs may also have a slower response time compared to smaller bulbs.

3. What is the ideal bulb size for a thermometer?

The ideal bulb size for a thermometer depends on the intended use. For general household use, a bulb size of 1 to 1.5 inches is typically recommended. However, for more precise measurements in laboratory or industrial settings, a smaller bulb size of 0.5 inches may be preferred.

4. Can the range of a thermometer be extended?

Yes, the range of a thermometer can be extended by using a different type of thermometer. For example, if a mercury thermometer has a limited range, a digital thermometer with a wider range can be used instead. However, it is important to note that the accuracy of the measurements may vary between different types of thermometers.

5. How can I calibrate the range of a thermometer?

To calibrate the range of a thermometer, you can use a known reference temperature (such as boiling water for 100 degrees Celsius) and adjust the thermometer accordingly. However, it is recommended to have a professional calibration done for more accurate and precise results.

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