Measuring Temperature Flashcards
Thermometers
A device used to measure temperature
Thermocouple
Made of two different metals that are twisted together. When heated a small electrical current is generated. Measures very high temperatures but not low temperatures.
Scales
A series of equally divided sections that are marked and numbered for use in measurement.
Bimetallic strip
Made of two different metals joined firmly together. When heated one metal expands more than the other.
Celsius scale
The most common scale for measuring temperature; on the Celsius scale, water at sea level boils at 100 degrees and freezes at below 0 degrees
Thermograph
A bimetallic strip coils and uncoils as the temperature changes. One end of the strip is attached to a long, light metal lever that holds a special pen.
Kelvin scale
A scale used for measuring temperatures in scientific experiments; on the Kelvin scale, pure water freezes at 273 K and boils at 373 K.
4 devices for Measuring Temperature
Thermocouple
Bimetallic Strip
Recording Thermometer
Infrared Thermogram
Absolute Zero
The coldest possible temperature is 0 K
Sensor
A material that is affected by change in some feature of the environment, such as temperature
Signal
Information about temperature, such as an electric current
Responder
A pointer, light, or other mechanism that uses the signal in some way
Infrared thermogram
Anything warmer than absolute zero gives off infrared radiation. Infrared radiation can be photographed with special films