A thermistor is a solid-state device widely used in a variety of engineering applications. Its primary characteristic is that its electric resistance varies greatly with temperature. Its temperature dependence is given approximately by R = R0eB/T, where R is in ohms (Ω), T is in kelvins, and R0 and B are constants that can be determined by measuring R at calibration points such as the ice point and the steam point.
(a) If R = 7360 Ω at the ice point and 153 Ω at the steam point, find R0 and B.
(b) What is the resistance of the thermistor at T= 98.6°F?
(c) What is the rate of change of the resistance with temperature (dR/dT) at the ice point and the steam point?
(d) At which temperature is the thermistor most sensitive?