O Levels Physics (5054)•5054/11/M/J/21

Explanation
Thermometer sensitivity increases with narrower bore diameter
Steps:
- Sensitivity is the height change of the liquid column per degree temperature rise.
- Liquid expands by a fixed volume with temperature increase.
- This volume fills the capillary tube, where height h = volume / (π r²).
- Smaller radius r (narrower diameter) yields larger h, boosting sensitivity.
Why B is correct:
- Smaller diameter of the glass tube (bore) reduces cross-sectional area, so the same liquid expansion causes a greater column rise, as per the capillary rise formula h = V / (π r²).
Why the others are wrong:
- A: "Factor of the bore" is imprecise and does not specify the diameter, which is the actual determinant.
- C: Length of the tube sets the measurement range, not the sensitivity per degree.
- D: Thickness provides structural durability but does not influence liquid expansion or column height.
Final answer: B
Topic: Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases
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