Photo AI

What is the thermometric property of a thermocouple? (7) - Leaving Cert Physics - Question (c) - 2005

Question icon

Question (c)

What-is-the-thermometric-property-of-a-thermocouple?-(7)-Leaving Cert Physics-Question (c)-2005.png

What is the thermometric property of a thermocouple? (7)

Worked Solution & Example Answer:What is the thermometric property of a thermocouple? (7) - Leaving Cert Physics - Question (c) - 2005

Step 1

Thermometric Property of a Thermocouple

96%

114 rated

Answer

The thermometric property of a thermocouple refers to its capability to convert temperature differences into an electrical voltage. This property is based on the thermoelectric effect, specifically the Seebeck effect, where a temperature gradient between two junctions of different metals generates an electromotive force (emf).

In practical terms, this means that when two dissimilar conductive materials are joined at two points and those points are maintained at different temperatures, a voltage is produced that is proportional to the temperature difference between the junctions. The emf can be expressed mathematically:

Eext(emf)=Simes(T1T2)E ext{ (emf)} = S imes (T_1 - T_2)

where:

  • EE is the generated voltage (emf),
  • SS is the Seebeck coefficient (which depends on the materials used),
  • T1T_1 and T2T_2 are the temperatures at the hot and cold junctions, respectively.

This voltage can then be measured and used to accurately determine temperatures, making thermocouples a popular choice in temperature measurement applications.

Join the Leaving Cert students using SimpleStudy...

97% of Students

Report Improved Results

98% of Students

Recommend to friends

100,000+

Students Supported

1 Million+

Questions answered

Other Leaving Cert Physics topics to explore

;