When we place the thermometer in thermal contact with a block of ice we measure

Question

When we place the thermometer in thermal contact with a block of ice we measure a pressure of 2.24 atm. We associate this pressure with a temperature of 0 degrees Centigrade (C). Next we place the thermometer in thermal contact with boiling water and measure a pressure of 3.06 atm. We associate this pressure with a temperature of 100 degrees C. Now assume that the pressure varies linearly with temperature, P(atm) = a + b T(C). Determine the values of the slope (b) and y-intercept (a). Plot the pressure vs. temperature

Explanation / Answer

I had trouble with this until it hit me and I realized how easy it was:

at 0 degrees C: P(atm)= a + bT(C) ----> 2.24 = a + b (0) -----> a= 2.24

at 100 degrees C: 3.06= (2.24) + b(100) -----> b= 8.2 x 10^-3

to graph this in excel, create a collumn of temperatures, say 0- 200 in increments of 5 degrees, and then in the collumn

adjacent, enter the function =2.24+8.2E-3*A1 and fill down. Graph this and you're done.

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