Question: comment on post and ask a question Good morning, Professor and Classmates. I chose question 13.1.3:When a cold alcohol thermometer is placed in a hot
comment on post and ask a question
Good morning, Professor and Classmates.
I chose question 13.1.3:When a cold alcohol thermometer is placed in a hot liquid, the column of alcohol goesdownslightly before going up. Explain why.
When a cold alcohol thermometer hits a hot liquid, theglass tube heats up and expandsbeforethe alcohol, temporarily increasing the bulb's internal volume, making the alcohol column drop slightly; then, the alcohol heats up, expandsmorethan the glass, and rises, showing the true temperature. This isdue to the glass absorbing heat and expanding faster than the alcohol initially, as solids generally conduct heat better than liquids.
Step-by-step explanation:
- Initial Contact &Glass Expansion:The hot liquid first touches the outer glass bulb, causing the glass to heat up and expand quickly.
- Temporary Volume Increase:This expansion of the glass increases the internal space (volume) within the bulb.
- Alcohol'sInitial "Dip":Since the alcohol inside hasn't warmed up and expanded yet, it briefly retreats or contracts into this slightly larger space, causing the column to go down.
- AlcoholExpansion:Heat then transfers to the alcohol, which expands more significantly than the glass did, forcing the column to rise.
- True TemperatureReading:The column continues to rise until the alcohol and glass reach the same temperature as the liquid, providing the correct reading.
This phenomenon is a result of the different thermal properties and response times of the two materials (glass and alcohol) to the sudden change in temperature. To ensure an accurate reading, it is important to wait for a few minutes until the alcohol level stabilizes and thermal equilibrium is reached.
I chose to do this question because of a time I was in high school and my mother had made some chicken enchiladas in a glass dish. It was my responsibility to wash dishes when my mother cooked so I took the dish after the enchiladas were out of it and placed in in the sink to wash. About 2 or 3 seconds after I got cold water on it, it shattered in the sink while in my hands.
I look forward to your feedback, Professor and classmates!
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