The liquids in two liquid-in-glass thermometers, X and Y, expand linearly with temperature. The characteristics of these two thermometers are given in the table below:
| Thermometer | Temperature range | Length of scale (distance between minimum and maximum marks) |
|---|---|---|
| X | −20∘C-20^\circ\text{C}−20∘C to 100∘C100^\circ\text{C}100∘C | 18.0 cm18.0\text{ cm}18.0 cm |
| Y | 15∘C15^\circ\text{C}15∘C to 45∘C45^\circ\text{C}45∘C | 15.0 cm15.0\text{ cm}15.0 cm |
State and explain which thermometer, X or Y, has the greater range.
State and explain which thermometer, X or Y, has the greater sensitivity.
Suggest two design features that would cause a liquid-in-glass thermometer to have a large sensitivity.
Calculate the length of the liquid thread in thermometer X above the −20∘C-20^\circ\text{C}−20∘C mark when the temperature recorded is 40∘C40^\circ\text{C}40∘C.
528 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 2.2 Thermal properties and temperature, covering 2.2.1 Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases, 2.2.2a Internal energy and temperature, 2.2.2b Specific heat capacity, 2.2.3a Melting, boiling, condensation and solidification, 2.2.3b Evaporation, and 2.2.3c Cooling by evaporation. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.