NCERT Solutions
Class 11 Physics
Thermal Properties of Matter

Q. 10.3
The electrical resistance in ohms of a certain thermometer varies with temperature according to the approximate law:
R = Ro [1 + α (T – To)]
The resistance is 101.6 Ω at the triple-point of water 273.16 K, and 165.5 Ω at the normal melting point of lead (600.5 K). What is the temperature when the resistance is 123.4 Ω?
Given:
R = Ro [1 + α (T – To)] … (i)
Where Ro = initial resistance, R = final resistance, To = initial temperature and
T = final temperature; α = constant
At the triple point of water, T0 = 273.15 K
Resistance of lead, R0 = 101.6 Ω
At normal melting point of lead, T = 600.5 K
Resistance of lead, R = 165.5 Ω
Substituting these values in equation (i), we get:
R = Ro [1 + α (T – To)]
165.5 = 101.6[1 + α (600.5 - 273.15)]
1.629 = (1 + α (327.35))
Therefore, α = (0.629)/ (327.35)
=1.92 x 10-3 K-1
For resistance, R1 = 123.4 Ω
R1 = Ro [1 + α (T – To)] where T=temperature when the resistance of lead is 123.4 Ω
123.4 = 101.6[1 + (1.92 x 10-3) (T – 273.15)]
1.214 = (1 + (1.92 x 10-3) (T – 273.15))
(0.214)/ (1.92 x 10-3) = (T – 273.15)
Therefore T = 384.61K