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Difficulty: MediumTemperature Scales and Thermometric Properties

Match each temperature scale reference state on the left with its correct thermodynamic definition on the right.

  • Absolute zero (0 K0\text{ K})Theoretical temperature at which molecular translational kinetic energy reaches its minimum value
  • Ice point (0∘C0^\circ\text{C})Standard lower fixed point representing pure melting ice at 1 atm1\text{ atm} pressure
  • Steam point (100∘C100^\circ\text{C})Standard upper fixed point representing steam above pure boiling water at 1 atm1\text{ atm} pressure
  • Triple point of water (273.16 K273.16\text{ K})State where solid ice, liquid water, and water vapour coexist in thermodynamic equilibrium

Answer

Absolute zero matches with the state of minimum molecular kinetic energy. The ice point matches with the lower fixed point of pure melting ice at standard pressure. The steam point matches with the upper fixed point of pure boiling water steam at standard pressure. The triple point of water matches with the thermodynamic equilibrium state of ice, liquid water, and water vapour.
Each temperature scale reference point is correctly paired with its defining physical state: absolute zero represents minimum molecular kinetic energy, the ice point represents melting ice at standard pressure, the steam point represents steam from boiling water at standard pressure, and the triple point represents the three-phase equilibrium of water.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the definition of absolute zero.
Absolute zero (0 K0\text{ K}) corresponds to the state of minimum internal molecular kinetic energy.
At 0 K0\text{ K}, thermal motion of particles theoretically ceases.
2
Identify the definition of the ice point.
The ice point (0∘C0^\circ\text{C}) corresponds to pure melting ice at standard atmospheric pressure.
It serves as the standard lower fixed point on the Celsius temperature scale.
3
Identify the definition of the steam point.
The steam point (100∘C100^\circ\text{C}) corresponds to steam from pure boiling water at standard atmospheric pressure.
It serves as the standard upper fixed point on the Celsius temperature scale.
4
Identify the definition of the triple point of water.
The triple point (273.16 K273.16\text{ K}) is the unique thermodynamic state where ice, liquid water, and steam coexist in equilibrium.
It is used as a single fundamental reference point on the Kelvin thermodynamic scale.

Key Concept

Temperature Scale Fixed Points and Reference States
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Temperature Scales and Thermometric Properties

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