How does a thermocouple work?

Answer by  apsaras (408)

A thermocouple consists of two dissimilar metal wires joint together to form a junction. The thermoelectric effect causes a voltage to be generated across the other ends of the wires that depends on the temperature of the junction. The calibrated voltages can be used to measure the temperature of an object in thermal contact with the junction.

Answer by  jsmith (2067)

Anytime to different metals are placed side-by-side, there will be an electrical potential that depends upon temperature. If you know the metals and measure the voltage, you can measure temperature.

Answer by  kent16 (178)

A scientist named Seebeck discovered that when the ends of any metal conductor are at different temperatures a voltage develops along the length of the conductor. The voltage changes with temperature difference and material of the conductor. Thus, if two dissimilar metals are connected the voltage difference between them is related to the temperature difference by a known ratio

Answer by  oddflash (902)

Heat or cold changes the resistance in cerain metals . A thermocouple measures this resistance and converts it into a temperature.

Answer by  abc25 (196)

A thermocouple is created by using two different conductor materials and connecting them together at one end, applying a known junction temperature. Then, at the other end, a voltage difference is created, if the open ended temperature is different from the junction temperature. This is due to the Seebek Effect.