The graph below shows the variation with temperature of the volume of a fixed mass of water. A thermometer is to be designed that measures temperatures in the range between 274 K and 280 K. Which one of the following is the main reason why the variation with temperature of the volume of the water is not suitable to use in the thermometer?
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The graph shows water's volume vs. temperature. Between 274 K and 280 K, the volume is not a one-to-one function of temperature. The curve reaches a maximum, meaning the same volume corresponds to two different temperatures. For a reliable thermometer, each temperature must give a unique reading.
Mathematically, the function is not monotonic: at the maximum, causing ambiguity.
Final answer: The volume has the same value at more than one temperature.