Thermal Physics

Temperature Measurement

Thermometers are commonly used to take the temperature of a liquid. Parallax errors can occur when reading off a thermometer.

Parallax Error

A parallax error occurs when the reading is taken inaccurately due to the thermometer being viewed at a bad angle. This error can be avoided by viewing the thermometer at a perpendicular angle.

Rate of Cooling

The rate of cooling decreases as an object cools. The rate of cooling can be decreased by:

• using a thicker container
• placing a lid on the container