Galileo's Thermometer | Physics & Astronomy

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Galileo's Thermometer

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Galileo (1564-1642) first discovered that the density of a fluid is linked to temperature. Through a series of experiments, Galileo learned that a fluid’s density increases as temperature drops, but decreases as it warms up. To demonstrate his theory, Galileo placed several liquid-filled glass spheres into a water tank to observe their reaction to temperature changes. As he predicted, a solid body of known weight will rise or fall with fluctuations in temperature.

Each of the eleven temperature balls within this thermometer are exactly weighed and fitted with a metal Fahrenheit temperature medallion. The thermometer measures from 62° to 82° F in steps of 2°.

Simply look at the lowest floating temperature ball within the group of balls floating at the top of the thermometer to tell the correct temperature—68° in this measurement to the left.

You will find that the balls will slowly fall as the temperature rises, and rise up again when the temperature cools.

Required Equipment

Heat gun - Location: 9.B.3 Galileo's thermometer - Location: Sink bench

Related Course

PHYS 220 Galileo's Thermometer

Tag » How Does A Galileo Thermometer Work