Questions: Which of the following is a major drawback of a gas-filled thermometer? A. Its tube length cannot exceed 6 feet. B. It reacts slowly to temperature change. C. It has a temperature range of only -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 800 degrees Fahrenheit. D. Its bulb is too small.

Solution Steps

The question asks us to identify a major drawback of a gas-filled thermometer from the given options. We need to evaluate each option to determine which one is a significant limitation of this type of thermometer.

• Option A: "Its tube length cannot exceed 6 feet."
  This is not typically considered a major drawback of gas-filled thermometers. The length of the tube is usually not a critical factor in their performance.

• Option B: "It reacts slowly to temperature change."
  Gas-filled thermometers are known for their slower response time compared to other types of thermometers, such as liquid-in-glass thermometers. This can be a significant drawback in applications requiring quick temperature readings.

• Option C: "It has a temperature range of only -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 800 degrees Fahrenheit."
  This temperature range is quite broad and generally sufficient for many applications. Therefore, it is not considered a major drawback.

• Option D: "Its bulb is too small."
  The size of the bulb is not typically a major issue for gas-filled thermometers. The bulb size is usually designed to be appropriate for the intended application.

Based on the evaluation, the major drawback of a gas-filled thermometer is its slow reaction to temperature changes, as mentioned in Option B.

Final Answer