Q 1.5. - An Introduction to Thermal Physics

Question

When you're sick with a fever and you take your temperature with a thermometer, approximately what is the relaxation time?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

1 minute. 

Step 1 : Given information

One sick person measures the temperature of the body and try to fin out the relaxation time.

Step 2 : Calculation

Two objects take time to attain thermal equilibrium. The relaxation time is defined as the time taken by an object to achieve the temperature which is $\left(\frac{1}{e}\right)$ times of its initial value.

Usually when one takes the temperature by using a thermometer, one should wait around a minute to attain equilibrium & so the relaxation time will be approximate 1 minute.

Step 3 : Final answer

The relaxation time will be approximately 1 minute