Temperature homework question

[zcabral]

Homework Statement

A constant-volume gas thermometer is calibrated in dry ice (that is, carbon dioxide in the solid state, which has a temperature of -80.0°C) and in boiling ethyl alcohol (78.0°C). The two pressures are 0.861 atm and 1.569 atm.
(a) What Celsius value of absolute zero does the calibration yield? (Express your answer to the nearest 0.01°C.)
°C

Homework Equations

So I'm given this T= T1-p1X(T2-T1/P2-P1)= -273.47

The Attempt at a Solution

I understand the equation and it works with the values that are given however i don't get what exactly the question is looking for if someone can clear it up i would really appreciate it :shy:

 

[jae05]

well, most other kinds of thermometers have a specific range, outside of which they would be inaccurate. i think the question just wants to show that const vol thermometers are accurate over a wide range.

anyhow, i did some googling and came up with this. http://www.ux1.eiu.edu/~cfadd/1360/19Temp/Absolute.html

 

[Moetasim]

Based on the given information, it seems that the question is asking for the Celsius value of absolute zero that is derived from the calibration of the constant-volume gas thermometer. This value can be calculated using the given equation, which takes into account the temperatures and pressures of the two calibration points. The result, -273.47°C, is the Celsius value of absolute zero that is derived from this particular calibration. It is important to note that this value may differ slightly from the accepted value of -273.15°C due to experimental errors and uncertainties.