Measure temperature in Heat – Class 10 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Heat

Activity Name: Measure temperature in Heat

Activity Description:

This experiment aims to observe and measure changes in the mercury level of a laboratory thermometer when placed in hot water and cold water. By comparing the initial and final mercury levels, we can understand how temperature affects the expansion and contraction of liquids.

Required Items:

1. Two cups (one for hot water and another for cold water)
2. Hot water
3. Cold water
4. Laboratory thermometer
5. Notebook or recording sheet

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Take two cups and fill one of them with hot water and the other with cold water.
2. Observe the initial mercury level in the laboratory thermometer and record it in your notebook.
3. Carefully place the laboratory thermometer in the cup with hot water.
4. Allow the thermometer to adjust to the temperature of the hot water and note the new mercury level.
5. Record the final mercury level in your notebook.
6. Take the laboratory thermometer out of the hot water and let it cool down to room temperature.
7. Now, place the same laboratory thermometer in the cup with cold water.
8. Allow the thermometer to adjust to the temperature of the cold water and note the new mercury level.
9. Record the final mercury level in your notebook.

Experiment Observations:

• In the hot water:

• The mercury level in the thermometer increased from the initial reading. • In the cold water:
• The mercury level in the thermometer decreased from the initial reading.

Precautions:

1. Handle the laboratory thermometer with care to avoid breakage.
2. Make sure the mercury level is easy to read and not obstructed by air bubbles or other debris.
3. Use appropriate safety measures when dealing with hot water to prevent burns or accidents.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

This experiment demonstrates the principle of thermal expansion. When the thermometer is placed in hot water, the heat causes the mercury to expand, leading to an increase in its level. Conversely, when the thermometer is placed in cold water, the mercury contracts due to the decrease in temperature, resulting in a decrease in its level.

This experiment highlights how temperature influences the volume of certain substances and is a fundamental concept in understanding heat and thermodynamics.