Temperature Concept: Emperical vs Thermodynamic

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the distinction between empirical and thermodynamic temperature, exploring definitions and underlying principles. It touches on theoretical and practical aspects of temperature measurement.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant defines empirical temperature as being linearly related to specific properties of substances, such as electrical resistance, and notes that different thermometers may yield different readings at the same temperature.
  • Another participant describes thermodynamic temperature as based on the Second Law of Thermodynamics, emphasizing that it is not tied to a specific substance and requires a theoretical framework to relate measurements to the thermodynamic scale.
  • A later reply seeks feedback on the clarity of the explanation provided, inviting further questions or requests for clarification.
  • Another participant expresses satisfaction with the explanation, indicating that it was well understood.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the definitions provided, but the discussion does not explore any competing views or unresolved issues.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address potential limitations or assumptions underlying the definitions of empirical and thermodynamic temperature.

M. next
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what is the difference between emperical and thermodynamic temperature?
 
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An empirical temperature is defined as linearly related to some specific property of a substance or system, such as its electrical resistance. So if we had a copper resistance thermometer and a platinum resistance thermometer and calibrated them at the ice and steam point, there'd be no reason to expect them to give exactly the same reading at some intermediate temperature.

Thermodynamic temperature is based, not on the property of a particular substance, but upon the universally applicable Second Law of Thermodynamics. To measure temperatures on this scale we have to have a theory which links readings (on say a gas thermometer) to the thermodynamic scale. It turns out that for gases at very low densities, the thermodynamic temperature ratio is close to the ratio of gas pressures.
 
M. next: Was this reply of any help? Does it need clarification? If so, where specifically?
 
Thank you Philip. It is perfectly illustrated, I understood it.
 

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