Question

1. What is the purpose of a constant volume gas thermometer. How does it work?

2. What is the difference, if any, between a isothermal and adiabatic thermodynamic process. Draw them on a pV diagram.

3. What is the most important heat transfer mechanism on earth where there is an atmosphere? Explain how this can cool a nuclear or coal fired power plant, and is also used often with heat pumps for buildings. What is the most important heat transfer mechanism in space, where there is no atmosphere? Because of this, what must be done in space for heat control?

Answer 1

1. The purpose of a constant volume gas thermometer is to measure the variation of temperature by observing the variation of pressure.

It is based on Gay-Lussac law, which states that, at constant volume, pressure of an ideal gas is directly proportional to the temperature, that is, temperature would decrease with decrease of pressure and increase with increase in pressure. The device consist of a bulb of fixed volume containing a dilute gas and is fitted with a mercury manometer. The manometer measures the variation of pressure which in turn can be seen as an equivalent change in temperature while volume remains constant.