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First exams 2025

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Measurement of Temperature (CIE A Level Physics)

Revision Note

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Katie M

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Measurement of temperature

  • Temperature is measured using a physical property that varies with temperature
    • A thermometer is any device used to measure temperature
  • Each type of thermometer uses the physical property of a material that varies with temperature, for example:
    • The density of a liquid
    • The volume of a gas at constant pressure
    • Resistance of a metal
    • E.m.f. of a thermocouple
  • Each type of thermometer is calibrated at two or more known temperatures (commonly the boiling and melting points of water, 0 oC and 100 oC respectively) and the scale is divided into equal divisions

The density of a liquid

  • A liquid-in-glass thermometer depends on the density change of a liquid (commonly mercury)
    • The thin glass capillary tube contains a liquid that expands with temperature
    • The scale on the side of the tube is measured based on the length of liquid within the tube

A liquid-in-glass thermometerLiquid in glass thermometer, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

As the bulb is heated, the liquid expands and moves along the capillary tube

Volume of a gas at constant pressure

  • The volume of an ideal gas is directly proportional to its temperature when at constant pressure (Charles’s law)

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  • As the temperature of the gas increases, its volume increases and vice versa
  • A gas thermometer must be calibrated when the temperature of a gas at a certain volume is known
    • A temperature scale can be determined depending on how quickly the gas expands with temperature

Resistance of a metal

  • Recall that electrical resistance changes with temperature e.g. the resistance of a filament lamp increases when the current passing through it also increases
    • For metals: resistance increases with temperature at a steady rate
    • For thermistors: resistance changes rapidly over a narrow range of temperatures
  • As a thermistor gets hotter, its resistance decreases
    • A thermistor can be used to measure a range of temperatures
  • The relationship between the resistance and temperature of a thermistor is non-linear
    • The graph of temperature against resistance is a curved line, so the thermistor has to be calibrated

Graph of resistance against temperatureResistance of thermistor graph, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

As the temperature of a thermistor increases, its resistance decreases.

E.m.f. of a thermocouple

  • A thermocouple is an electrical device used as the sensor of a thermometer
  • A thermocouple has two wires of different, or dissimilar, metals attached to each other to create a junction at one end
    • The other ends of the wires are connected to a voltmeter
  • When this junction is heated, an e.m.f. is produced between the two wires and measured by the voltmeter
    • The greater the difference in temperature between the wires, the greater the e.m.f

Diagram showing a thermocoupleEMF thermocouple, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

A thermocouple consists of two dissimilar wires connected together

  • A thermocouple requires calibration since the e.m.f. does not vary linearly with temperature
  • The graph against e.m.f. and temperature is a positive, curved line

Graph showing e.m.f against temperatureEmf temperature graph, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

The e.m.f. and temperature are not directly proportional in a thermocouple.

Examiner Tip

Remember to relate how the temperature is measured for different types of thermometer back to the scenario in the question. For example, make sure you say: the temperature increases as the volume of gas increases or the temperature increases as the e.m.f. between the two wires increases.

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Katie M

Author: Katie M

Expertise: Physics

Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics at Sheffield University. She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so moved to Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science. She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential.