Low frequency acoustic thermometry in the range 4.2–20 K with implications for the value of the gas constant

Abstract

Six acoustic isotherms have been plotted in the range 4.2–20 K. When thermodynamic temperatures are calculated from their intercepts on the basis of Batuecas’s value of the gas constant ( R = 8.31441 J mol -1 K -1 ), no significant systematic departure from the results of Berry’s gas thermometry is discernible. If one assumes Berry’s work to be thermodynamically correct and the present work to be thermodynamically linear, a value of the gas constant is implied only (7 ± 27 (lσ)) R / 10 6 higher than that of Batuecas, but 152 R / 10 6 lower than that of Quinn, Colclough & Chandler (Q. C. C.). Such a value is close to that expected from a forthcoming revision of the work of Q. C. C. and is in line with recent criticisms of Rowlinson et al . of their value. If this expectation is borne out gas and acoustic thermometry will be in good agreement in this range. Final results are quoted on the basis of Batuecas’s value of the gas constant and in terms of R to facilitate their recalculation as new information on the value of the gas constant becomes available.