The bulb of one thermometer is spherical, while that of other is cylindrical. If both of them have equal amounts of mercury, which one will respond quickly to the temperature ?

Question

The bulb of one thermometer is spherical, while that of other is cylindrical. If both of them have equal amounts of mercury, which one will respond quickly to the temperature ? (A) elliptical (B) spherical (C) cylindrical (D) both (b) and (c)

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

The surface area of the cylindrical bulb will be larger than that of the spherical bulb. Hence heat will be quickly transmitted to mercury through the cylindrical bulb. Therefore thermometer with cylindrical bulb will respond quickly to the temperature.

Q. The bulb of one thermometer is spherical, while that of other is cylindrical. If both of them have equal amounts of mercury, which one will respond quickly to the temperature ?

elliptical

spherical

cylindrical

both (b) and (c)

The surface area of the cylindrical bulb will be larger than that of the spherical bulb. Hence heat will be quickly transmitted to mercury through the cylindrical bulb. Therefore thermometer with cylindrical bulb will respond quickly to the temperature.