platinum thermometer
A scientist carefully reads the temperature on a platinum thermometer in the laboratory.
Noun: A platinum thermometer is a scientific instrument for measuring temperature. It operates based on the principle that the electrical resistance of a platinum wire changes in a predictable and repeatable manner as its temperature changes. By precisely measuring this resistance, the temperature can be determined.
This term is used in scientific, industrial, and metrological contexts to refer to a specific, high-precision type of resistance thermometer. * Platinum thermometers are known for their accuracy, stability, and wide temperature range. * The laboratory uses a platinum thermometer to calibrate all other temperature sensors. * In many countries, the standard definition of temperature (from -259.35°C to 961.78°C) is realized using a platinum resistance thermometer.
- Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometer (SPRT): This is a specific, high-purity type of platinum thermometer constructed according to international standards (like ITS-90) and used as a primary standard for temperature calibration.
- Example: The national metrology institute maintains an SPRT to define the kelvin scale.
- Platinum Resistance Thermometer (PRT): A more formal and complete name for the same device. Often used interchangeably with "platinum thermometer."
- Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD): A broader category of temperature sensors that operate on the same principle. A platinum thermometer is a specific type of RTD where the sensing element is made of platinum.
- Thermometer: The general category of instruments for measuring temperature.
- Platinum resistance thermometer
- PRT
- Platinum RTD
- Platinum resistance element: Refers specifically to the coiled platinum wire component inside the thermometer whose resistance is measured.
- Example: The accuracy of the device depends on the purity of its platinum resistance element.
A scientist carefully reads the temperature on a platinum thermometer in the laboratory.
- thermometer that measures temperature by changes in the resistance of a spiral of platinum wire