Grade 8
  1. Introduction to Physics  1.1. What is physics and its scope?  1.2. Applications of Physics in Advanced Technology  1.3. The role of experiments in physics  1.4. Physics in Engineering and Medicine  1.5. The scientific method and its refinements  1.6. Emerging areas in physics
  2. Measurement and units  2.1. Advanced Physical Quantities and Their Classification  2.2. SI units and standardized measurement systems  2.3. Precision instruments for length and mass measurement  2.4. Advanced Techniques in Time Measurement  2.5. Calculating Volume Using Mathematical Formulas  2.6. Density measurement and applications  2.7. Temperature measurement with thermometers and sensors  2.8. Error analysis and minimization of systematic errors  2.9. Estimation, Approximation and Scientific Notation
  3. Kinematics and dynamics  3.1. Motion and its types – rectilinear, circular and oscillatory  3.2. Difference between distance and displacement  3.3. Speed vs Velocity – Understanding their Difference  3.4. Acceleration and its real life applications  3.5. Graphical Analysis of Motion - Interpreting Motion Graphs  3.6. Equations of motion - derivation and applications  3.7. Free fall and gravitational acceleration  3.8. Effect of air resistance on falling objects
  4. Force and Newton's laws of motion  4.1. Introduction to forces and their effects  4.2. Balanced and unbalanced forces - their role in motion  4.3. Newton's First Law - Understanding Inertia  4.4. Newton's Second Law - Mathematical Applications in Acceleration  4.5. Newton's Third Law - Action and Reaction Forces in Daily Life  4.6. Friction - its types, effects and methods of reduction  4.7. Circular motion and centripetal force  4.8. Impulse and Momentum – Real Life Examples  4.9. Application of Newton's laws in automobiles and space travel
  5. Work, Energy and Power  5.1. The concept of work and its mathematical representation  5.2. Energy and its forms – kinetic, potential, mechanical and internal  5.3. Understanding the Work-Energy Theorem  5.4. Law of Conservation of Energy – Practical Applications  5.5. Power and its units - how it differs from energy  5.6. Methods for improving the efficiency of machines and reducing energy losses  5.7. Applications of renewable and non-renewable energy in daily life
  6. Pressure and its applications  6.1. Understanding pressure in solids  6.2. Pressure in Fluids - Pascal's Principle  6.3. Atmospheric pressure and barometer  6.4. Buoyancy and Archimedes' principle  6.5. Hydraulics and its applications  6.6. Variations in pressure at depth and in high-altitude environments
  7. Heat and temperature  7.1. Heat as a form of energy  7.2. Temperature measurement using advanced sensors  7.3. Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases  7.4. Specific heat capacity and its applications  7.5. Heat transfer - conduction, convection and radiation  7.6. Latent heat and phase changes of matter  7.7. Thermal balance and heat exchange in everyday life
  8. Lighting and Optics  8.1. Nature of light - wave and particle theory  8.2. Reflection - laws and applications in optical instruments  8.3. Refraction and Snell's Law  8.4. Lenses - Uses in Image Formation and Corrective Lenses  8.5. Optical instruments – microscope, telescope and camera  8.6. Dispersion of light and colour formation  8.7. Total internal reflection - fibre optics and mirage creation  8.8. Human Eye and Vision Defects - Nearsightedness, Farsightedness and Astigmatism
  9. Sound and waves  9.1. Wave motion - characteristics and classification  9.2. Properties of sound - speed, pitch and intensity  9.3. Reflection and absorption of sound – echo and reverberation  9.4. Doppler effect and its applications  9.5. Ultrasound and sonography in medicine  9.6. Noise pollution and its prevention
  10. Electricity and Magnetism  10.1. Static electricity and electric charge  10.2. Electric current - conductors and insulators  10.3. Ohm's Law and Resistance  10.4. Series and Parallel Circuits – Differences and Applications  10.5. Electrical power and energy calculations  10.6. Safety measures in handling electricity  10.7. Magnetism - Properties and Field Lines  10.8. Electromagnetic Induction - Faraday's Law and Applications  10.9. Transformers and their use in electric power distribution
  11. Space science and universe  11.1. Solar System - Formation and Components  11.2. The Sun - structure, energy production and solar flares  11.3. Moon - effect of its gravity on the Earth  11.4. Eclipses – Solar and Lunar  11.5. Planets - Structure, Atmosphere and Moons  11.6. Satellites - artificial and natural  11.7. Gravity in space and its effect on astronauts  11.8. Theories of black holes and the expanding universe  11.9. Space Exploration - Rockets, Rovers and Space Stations
  12. Nuclear physics and modern applications  12.1. Structure of atom - protons, neutrons and electrons  12.2. Radioactivity - types and sources  12.3. Half-life and radioactive decay  12.4. The use of radioisotopes in medicine and industry  12.5. Nuclear fission and fusion – electricity generation
  13. Environmental Physics  13.1. Impact of energy consumption on the environment  13.2. Global warming and climate change - physics perspective  13.3. Sustainable energy – solar, wind and hydroelectric power  13.4. Role of Physics in Weather Forecasting  13.5. Physics of Natural Disasters - Earthquakes, Tsunamis and Tornadoes

Grade 8 → Measurement and units ↓


Temperature measurement with thermometers and sensors


Temperature is a measure of how hot or cold something is. It is an essential physical quantity that we encounter in our daily lives. In this article, we will explore temperature measurement using thermometers and sensors, offering some simple examples and explanations to help you understand this fundamental concept in physics.

Withstanding temperature

Temperature is the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. When the particles move faster, the temperature rises, and when they slow down, the temperature falls. This is important because it determines the direction in which heat energy flows: from hotter to colder areas.

Units of temperature

Temperature is commonly measured on three scales: Celsius (°C), Fahrenheit (°F), and Kelvin (K).

  • Celsius: This scale is used in most parts of the world. The melting point of ice is 0°C and the boiling point of water is 100°C.
  • Fahrenheit: Used primarily in the United States. Here, the melting point of ice is 32°F, and the boiling point of water is 212°F.
  • Kelvin: Used primarily in scientific contexts. The Kelvin scale begins at absolute zero, 0 K, which is equivalent to -273.15°C.

Converting temperature units

It is often necessary to convert temperature from one unit to another. Here are the basic formulas:

Celsius to Fahrenheit: (°C * 9/5) + 32 = °F Fahrenheit to Celsius: (°F - 32) * 5/9 = °C Celsius to Kelvin: °C + 273.15 = K Kelvin to Celsius: K - 273.15 = °C

What is a thermometer?

A thermometer is an instrument used to measure temperature. There are several types of thermometers depending on how they measure temperature:

Mercury thermometer in glass

These thermometers have a glass tube filled with mercury. The temperature scale is marked on this tube. As the temperature increases, the mercury expands and rises in the tube, indicating the temperature.

0 °C10 °C20 degrees Celsius30 degrees Celsius40 degrees Celsius

Alcohol thermometer

Like mercury thermometers, these use colored alcohol instead of mercury. They are safer but less accurate.

Digital thermometer

Digital thermometers use sensors to measure temperature and provide a reading on a digital display. They are accurate and easy to read.

37.5°C

Other temperature sensors

In addition to thermometers, other sensors are also commonly used to measure temperature:

Thermistor

Thermistors are temperature-sensitive resistors. Their resistance changes with temperature. They are used to measure and control temperature in electronic devices.

Thermocouples

Thermocouples made of two different metals produce a temperature dependent voltage. They are widely used in industrial applications due to their wide temperature range.

Infrared sensor

These sensors measure temperature by detecting infrared radiation emitted by objects. They are useful for measuring the surface temperature of objects from a distance.

Applications of temperature measurement

Temperature measurement is important in many fields, including healthcare, meteorology, industry, and environmental studies.

Health care

In healthcare, thermometers are used to monitor body temperature, which can indicate health conditions. Hypothermia and fever are two conditions that are closely monitored using temperature.

Meteorology

Weather forecasts depend on accurate temperature readings. Meteorologists use special sensors and satellites to track atmospheric temperatures.

Industrial processes

Industries monitor and control temperature to ensure product quality and safety. For example, temperature control is important in food processing, chemical reactions, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Illustrative example of temperature measurement

Suppose you have a glass of hot water and you want to measure its temperature.

  • Insert the thermometer into the water, making sure it doesn't touch the sides or bottom of the glass.
  • Wait until the mercury or alcohol column stabilizes.
  • Note the reading on the scale, which may show a temperature such as 37°C.
37°C

Now, if you want a digital reading, you can use a digital thermometer. Simply place the probe in the glass and read the display, which may show a digital value such as 37.0°C.

Conclusion

Temperature measurement is an integral part of understanding the environment and processes around us. Whether using a traditional thermometer or a modern digital sensor, accurate temperature measurement is essential in science, industry, and daily activities. These devices help us stay healthy, ensure safety, and increase our understanding of the world.


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Temperature measurement with thermometers and sensors

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