2007-02-13 01:03:05 · 3 answers · asked by goring 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
When two dissimilar metals are in contact they have the ability to generate the passage of electrons from one to the other due to the electrical potential difference of the metals. Every metal has a voltage at which it will gain or lose electrons. This is the electromotive series. The voltage is a relative measure of an electrical force, or emf, difference between two points. So if two different metals are in contact they have a natural electrical potential difference between them, or gradient. Electrons will naturally flow from the higher potential to the lower. The flow and the voltage between the two is a function of the temp, so you can calibrate the thermocouple and use the electrical characteristics as an indirect measure of the temp.
2007-02-13 01:24:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everything you would want to know here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermocouple#
They work on the principle of a temperature gradient - which forces electrons to move thus generating an electrical output.
2007-02-13 01:20:02 · answer #2 · answered by Doctor Q 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hope this helps!
2016-05-24 05:02:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋