When calculating delta T sample why 100 degrees Celsius taken as initial temperature
Was it boiling water?
When calculating the ΔT (delta T) of a sample, the initial temperature is typically taken as 100 degrees Celsius for convenience and consistency. This choice is not mandatory, but it is often used because it makes calculations simpler and easier to perform.
There are a few reasons why 100 degrees Celsius is commonly chosen as the initial temperature:
1. It is often a convenient and easily achievable temperature for many heating or cooling processes. In laboratory settings, it is relatively easy to start with a sample at 100 degrees Celsius by using a standard laboratory hot plate or water bath.
2. The use of 100 degrees Celsius as the initial temperature can help to eliminate any measurement errors or uncertainties associated with temperatures close to or at the boiling point of water (which is 100 degrees Celsius at sea level). By using a temperature significantly below the boiling point, we can avoid the risk of evaporation or other complications that may arise at higher temperatures.
3. Taking 100 degrees Celsius as the initial temperature can also simplify calculations involving the specific heat capacity of a substance. The specific heat capacity is often given for a temperature range close to or at room temperature, making calculations more straightforward when using 100 degrees Celsius as the reference point.
Ultimately, the choice of 100 degrees Celsius as the initial temperature is a practical one that makes calculations easier and helps to ensure consistent and reliable results. However, it is important to note that if a different initial temperature is more relevant or appropriate for a specific experiment or process, it can be used instead.