In this week, we have studied type K thermocouples. Normally, when we say a type K thermocouple, it refers to a thermocouple consists of Nickel-Chromium or Nickel-Alumel wires. In fact, based on their different diameter, insulator materials, a hot junction, and a measurement junction (where it connects to the thermometer), the thermocouples are named differently. Moreover, because of those difference, the temperature measurement range is also different. For example, the RT100 K – type thermocouple can measure temperature from -50℃ to 250℃. The TL0400 K-type thermocouple can measure temperature from -30℃ to 400℃. In our research, right now, we are testing the TL0400-K type thermocouple. Since we got those experiment devices during the weekend, we did not start our designed experiment to test the factors that might affect its accuracy and response time. What we did is to see how long it takes to stabilize at a certain temperature. The way we have done is place the thermocouple in a cup of ice water. And we realize it takes about 3~4 second to stabilize. However, when an experiment needs to monitor the temperature change of a chemical reaction, 3~4 seconds might bring a lot of errors. Therefore, we have come up with ideas to modify the thermocouple design by adding a cold junction.
(We have attached the picture of TL0400-K type thermocouple below.)

Moreover, after we have discussed with our physical major friends, we realized that it might be the case that the fermion, like electrons, in the metal wires, receive or lose energy from its surrounding such that its energy state either increases or decreases. Therefore, there will exist voltage difference inside the metal wires. This part helps us to understand the materials better.