When calculating delta Tsample,why is th initial temperature taken to be 100 degrees Celsius
Well, it's because someone decided that 100 degrees Celsius is the perfect starting point for measuring temperature changes. You see, when it comes to science, we like to have a standard reference point, and for temperature, that point is the boiling point of water, which happens to be 100 degrees Celsius at sea level. So, we take the initial temperature as 100 degrees Celsius to simplify calculations and make things a little less chaotic. It's just one of those arbitrary decisions we humans made to make our lives a little bit easier. Don't question it too much, just go with the flow!
The initial temperature is often taken to be 100 degrees Celsius because it is a commonly used reference point in scientific measurements. This reference point allows for easier calculations and comparisons in experiments or calculations involving temperature differences. Additionally, 100 degrees Celsius is the boiling point of water at sea level, which is a well-known and easily reproducible value.
To understand why the initial temperature is often taken to be 100 degrees Celsius when calculating ΔTsample (change in temperature of the sample), we need to consider the context in which this calculation is performed.
Typically, the calculation of ΔTsample is carried out in the field of thermodynamics or heat transfer, where temperature differences play a significant role. In these areas, it is common to reference temperature differences with respect to a reference point or a standard temperature. The reference point often used is the boiling point of water at standard atmospheric pressure, which is 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit) or 373.15 Kelvin. This temperature is defined as the boiling point at sea level and is considered a standard reference temperature.
By using the boiling point of water as a reference, we can establish a consistent and widely accepted baseline for measuring temperature differences. Taking the initial temperature of a sample as 100 degrees Celsius allows us to measure the change in temperature relative to this reference point. For example, if the final temperature of the sample is 90 degrees Celsius, the change in temperature (ΔTsample) would be -10 degrees Celsius, indicating a decrease in temperature.
It's important to note that while 100 degrees Celsius is a commonly used reference temperature, other reference points can be used depending on the specific application or context. The choice of reference temperature depends on the convenience and relevance to the given situation.
In conclusion, when calculating ΔTsample, taking the initial temperature as 100 degrees Celsius is a convention to establish a reference point and measure temperature changes relative to it. This approach helps ensure consistency and facilitates meaningful comparisons in the field of thermodynamics and heat transfer.