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Thermistor Mechanism — FRCA Primary MCQ

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ModeratePhysics & Clinical MeasurementThermistor MechanismFRCA Primary

A thermistor measures temperature by:

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Correct answer: BA resistance change that decreases non-linearly with increasing temperature

A thermistor is a semiconductor whose resistance decreases non-linearly with increasing temperature (negative temperature coefficient). It is small / has rapid response / and high sensitivity but requires linearisation. A thermocouple generates a voltage (Seebeck effect) proportional to the temperature difference between two dissimilar metal junctions.

Reference: Al-Shaikh Stacey 2019 Essentials of Anaesthetic Equipment