|
|
PASPORT Temperature Sensor
(PS-2125)
|
ScienceWorkshop Temperature Sensor
(CI-6505B)
|
 |
Purpose:
You can use PASCO's Temperature Sensor to investigate a variety of scientific phenomena.
Background Information:
It may be difficult to imagine, but the atoms and molecules that make up all matter are constantly in motion. This is true even for matter in the solid state! Because they are constantly moving, atoms and molecules possess kinetic energy. Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of all the moving particles that make up a substance. Whenever a substance becomes warmer, its atoms and molecules move faster, and therefore have more kinetic energy. The opposite is true when a substance cools down -- its atoms and molecules slow down and as a result have less kinetic energy.
We commonly measure temperature with some type of thermometer, usually one containing a liquid like mercury or alcohol. As the liquid heats up and expands -- or cools down and contracts -- we can see the liquid move up or down in a column marked with degrees of hotness on a particular scale, for example Fahrenheit or Celsius. In order to work, the thermometer must be in thermal contact with the substance whose temperature is being measured. Energy will flow between the two until thermal equilibrium is reached, at which point the thermometer's temperature will be the same as that of the substance being measured. PASCO's Temperature Sensor reports the temperature via the computer when the stainless steel probe is in thermal contact with matter. Because there is no liquid that expands or contracts, the Temperature Sensor reacts quickly to changes in thermal energy, letting you measure temperature changes that happen very rapidly.
Hypothesize: As you conduct the suggested experiments, predict how the temperature will change -- Up? Down? By how much?
Back to top
Equipment & Supplies:
For each lab group:
Back to top
Software & Probeware Set-up:
- If you will be recording data while connected to the computer, ensure that your USB Link or ScienceWorkshop 500 interface is connected to the computer. If you will be using the Xplorer for remote datalogging, be sure you have fresh batteries.
- At the computer, click on one of the links below to download a pre-configured DataStudio file for this experiment, and then open the file.
PASPORT users: Windows (.zip file) or Macintosh (.sit file)
ScienceWorkshop 500 users: Windows (.zip file) or Macintosh (.sit file)
When the file is opened, you should see a Graph Display of Temperature vs. Time, as well as a Digits Display of Temperature.
- Connect the Temperature Sensor to the Xplorer or USB Link (PASPORT users), or plug the Temperature Sensor into the 500 Interface (ScienceWorkshop 500 users).
If you are using the ScienceWorkshop 500 Interface, be sure the interface is turned on and the Temperature Sensor is associated correctly in the Experiment Setup window.
- Resize and arrange the displays as needed so that you can see them all. Click on the Setup button (
 ) if you wish to change the default display (Celsius) to either Fahrenheit or Kelvin.
Back to top
Experimental Procedure:
Data Collection & Recording:
- Click the Start button (
 ) in DataStudio or (  ) on the Xplorer to begin collecting data.
- Monitor the temperature as desired or until no further change is observed, then click the Stop button (
 ) in DataStudio or ( ) on the Xplorer to end data collection.
- If you have collected data remotely using Xplorer, your data can be downloaded to the computer automatically. Connect the Xplorer to the USB port on your computer using the cable provided, and follow the on-screen prompts.
Suggestions for Investigations:
- Evaporative cooling: Dip the Temperature Sensor into rubbing alcohol, acetone, or other solvent. Click Start, and then wave the Temperature Sensor quickly through the air. What will happen to the temperature as each liquid evaporates?
- Thermal energy in solids: Compare the temperature of a penny before and after being struck with a hammer. Or apply a heat source to one end of a metal rod and monitor the temperature at various distances along the length of the metal.
- Friction and thermal energy: Test the temperature of various surfaces before and after being scrubbed with sandpaper. Does the grain of sandpaper used make a difference in how the temperature changes?
- Physiology study: Use the Temperature Sensor to map the temperature across various body parts: for example, neck - shoulder - elbow - wrist - hand.
- Sense-ability: A classic demonstration of how we sense relative hotness / coolness asks the volunteer to hold one hand inside a beaker containing very warm water while holding the other hand in a beaker of ice water. After 30-60 seconds, move both hands into a beaker containing room-temperature water. What do you predict you will feel? Use the Temperature Sensor to monitor how long it takes the temperature of each hand to change throughout the experiment. Use caution - do not burn or freeze your skin!
- Exothermic and endothermic reactions: Predict how the temperature will change when you drop Alka-Seltzer into water. Can you predict how one tablet will differ from two or three? Or try testing other common chemical reactions: for example, vinegar and baking soda.
- Thermal energy in the environment: What is the temperature of puddles after a rainstorm? How about the soil at different depths? How does a brick wall in the sun differ from a wooden door? How much cooler is the air in the shade versus the sun? Note that environmental investigations are particularly well-suited for using the Xplorer without being connected to the computer!
- Does color matter? Compare the temperature inside a white car versus a black car. Or compare the temperature of a dark-colored surface and a light-colored surface after exposure to sunlight.
Back to top
Data Analysis:
- Examine the Graph Display to view your data, using the Scale to Fit button (
 ) in the Graph toolbar to resize the axes as needed.
- Use the Smart Tool (
 ) to pinpoint starting and ending temperatures.
- Use DataStudio’s Note Tool (
 ) to add annotations to your graphs.
Back to top
Conclusions and Extensions:
- How easy was it to predict temperature changes for the experiments you conducted? Which result surprised you the most?
- All measurements have some degree of error. How might measuring the temperature of a drop of water be different in this respect than measuring the temperature of a beaker of water? Why?
Back
to top
|
|
E-mail Page
