Pure silicon and thermometers

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of a digital thermometer with a pure silicon thermistor as its sensing element to measure the temperature of a sick child. The element drops to 99.06% of its normal value at a standard body temperature of 37 degrees. The formula for calculating the change in R is also mentioned, but the person is unsure where to plug in the percentage. They request further clarification on the terms used, particularly the value of rho.
  • #1
Magna1
17
0
Its been a rough week I have posted 3 times.

A digital thermometer uses pure silicon thermistor as its sensing element. When it is used to measure the temp of a sick child the element drops to 99.06% of its normal value at standard body temp of 37 degrees. What is the temp of the sick child?
What formula do I use R=R{original}[1+(rho)*temp change] But where do I plug in this percentage?
I don't get it?
HELP
 
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  • #2
It would be easier to help you if you defined all of the terms in your post.

Assuming that you are looking for change in R the percentage change would be:

[tex]\frac {R_O - R} {R_0} [/tex]

So what is the rho?


Edit: LaTex error.
 
Last edited:
  • #3


First of all, I'm sorry to hear that you've had a rough week. It can be frustrating when things don't go as planned. As for your question, let's break it down step by step.

Firstly, a pure silicon thermistor is a type of thermometer that uses a semiconductor material, silicon, as its sensing element. This material has unique properties that allow it to change its electrical resistance in response to changes in temperature.

In your situation, the thermistor is being used to measure the temperature of a sick child. When the thermistor is exposed to the child's body temperature of 37 degrees Celsius, it drops to 99.06% of its normal value. This means that the resistance of the thermistor has decreased by 0.94%.

To calculate the actual temperature of the child, you need to use the formula provided: R=R{original}[1+(rho)*temp change]. In this formula, R{original} refers to the original resistance of the thermistor at standard body temperature (37 degrees Celsius), and rho is the temperature coefficient of the thermistor.

The temperature coefficient is a measure of how much the resistance of the thermistor changes with a change in temperature. It is usually provided by the manufacturer and is typically given in units of ohms per degree Celsius (Ω/°C).

To use the percentage given (99.06%), you would convert it to a decimal by dividing it by 100, giving you 0.9906. This value would then be used in place of (rho)*temp change in the formula.

So, to summarize, to calculate the temperature of the sick child using a pure silicon thermistor, you would use the formula R=R{original}[1+(rho)*temp change], where R{original} is the resistance of the thermistor at 37 degrees Celsius, and (rho) is the temperature coefficient provided by the manufacturer. The percentage given (99.06%) can be converted to a decimal and used in place of (rho)*temp change.

I hope this helps clarify things for you. If you're still unsure, don't hesitate to ask for further clarification. Best of luck!
 

1. What is pure silicon and how is it used in thermometers?

Pure silicon is a chemical element with the symbol Si and atomic number 14. It is a non-metallic element that is widely used in the production of electronic devices, including thermometers. In thermometers, pure silicon is used as a semiconductor material to accurately measure temperature changes.

2. How is pure silicon different from other forms of silicon?

Pure silicon is different from other forms of silicon because it is free of impurities, such as oxygen and carbon, which can affect its properties. Pure silicon has a crystalline structure and is highly conductive, making it ideal for use in electronic devices and thermometers.

3. Can pure silicon be used in all types of thermometers?

Yes, pure silicon can be used in all types of thermometers, including digital and analog thermometers. It is a versatile material that can accurately measure temperature changes in a wide range of applications.

4. How does pure silicon contribute to the accuracy of thermometers?

Pure silicon is a highly sensitive material that can detect small changes in temperature. It has a predictable and repeatable response to temperature changes, making it ideal for use in thermometers. Additionally, its high purity ensures that there are no external factors that can affect its accuracy.

5. Can pure silicon thermometers be used in extreme temperatures?

Yes, pure silicon thermometers can be used in extreme temperatures. They have a wide temperature range and can accurately measure temperatures from -200°C to 1250°C. This makes them suitable for use in both low and high-temperature environments.

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