Unit 2: Exploring the Nature of Thermal Phenomena
V. Developing Additional Central Ideas about Thermal Phenomena
There are many ways to explore thermal phenomena. Thermometers are useful tools and come in many forms, based upon many different physical processes that depend upon how some change occurs with a change in temperature. This course uses digital temperature probes. Students can use regular bulb and tube thermometers that measure everyday temperatures (rather than only warm body temperatures), however, such as those that are typically available in schools.
A. Exploring thermal phenomena with technology
Students can see visually what is happening moment-by-moment on a graph of temperature versus time when using digital temperature probes connected to a computer. Students also can use regular bulb and tube thermometers in the explorations that begin with Question 2.7 below. Students using regular thermometers can become aware of what is happening moment-by-moment by viewing the figures below.
Equipment for each group:
• Provide two digital temperature probes that can be connected to a computer loaded with the relevant software, two regular bulb and tube thermometers and a stop watch, or a cell phone temperature app. Several technology companies such as pasco.com and vernier.com provide digital temperature probes. For example, we use Go!Temp probes (see https://www.vernier.com/products/sensors/temperature-sensors/go-temp/ ) that connect to a computer or other electronic device through free software, such as Logger Lite (http://www.vernier.com/products/software/logger-lite/#download).
•Provide a computer to use with the digital temperature probes. In our course, usually at least one student in a group can bring a laptop on days a computer is needed. We also have two netbooks that students can use or two groups can work together with one computer if necessary.
• To begin explorations, provide each group with a cup of cold water to cool the probe quickly. The students can use their hands to warm up the probe or a cup of hot water. Place the cup(s) of water on a tray well away from the computer.
• Also provide a towel in case of spills.
The first exploration is very open-ended, in order to help students become familiar with using the temperature probes.
Question 2.6 What can you find out about thermal phenomena with a temperature probe connected to a computer?
This initial open-ended exploration provides time to learn how to set up the computer, download the software, plug in the temperature probe, and play. You and your group members have access to yourselves as heat sources and whatever is around you as materials.
- What questions can you ask and answer by playing in various ways with a temperature probe connected to a computer? Use a physics notebook page to keep track of what you are asking, doing, and thinking.
As shown in Fig. 2.4, the computer will be plotting a graph of temperature in degrees Celsius versus time in seconds. To start the