Explain the term thermal electric effect and thermocouple

1 answer

Thermal electric effect is a phenomenon where a temperature difference between two different metals creates an electric voltage. This effect occurs due to the different electrical potentials of the two metals, which change with temperature. This can be understood through the Seebeck effect, which is the production of an electromotive force when a temperature gradient exists in a conductor.

A thermocouple is a device that utilizes the thermal electric effect to measure temperature. It consists of two different metals that are connected at two junctions. One of the junctions is exposed to the temperature being measured, while the other is kept at a constant temperature. The temperature difference between the two junctions creates an electric voltage, which is proportional to the temperature difference. This voltage can be measured and used to determine the temperature of the hotter junction.

Thermocouples are commonly used in industrial settings, such as in furnaces or turbines, as they are highly accurate and can withstand high temperatures. They are also used in scientific experiments and in the aerospace industry to measure temperatures in extreme environments.