Question

Two thermometers are calibrated by measuring the freezing point of glacial acetic acid, which is 16.6°C. What is the purpose of calibrating the thermometers?

1) To determine the boiling point of glacial acetic acid
2) To measure the temperature of glacial acetic acid
3) To ensure accurate temperature readings
4) To compare the freezing point of glacial acetic acid with other substances

Answer 1

Calibrating thermometers is essential to ensure they provide accurate temperature readings by comparing them against a known reference temperature, such as the freezing point of glacial acetic acid.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of calibrating thermometers is to ensure that they provide accurate temperature readings. Calibration involves checking the thermometer's readings against a known temperature, such as the freezing point of glacial acetic acid, which is 16.6°C. This process ensures that the thermometer will measure temperatures correctly across a range of conditions, not just for the substance being used for calibration. The three most common temperature scales used in thermometers are Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin, with water's freezing and boiling points serving as reference temperatures for calibrations.