Thermochroism is a technical term used to describe the change in color of a substance when it is subjected to alterations in temperature. The word begins with the Greek root "thermo," meaning heat, followed by "chrom," meaning color. The ending "-ism" denotes a condition or state. The word is pronounced as thur - moh - kroh - iz - em with IPA phonetic symbols /θɜrˈmoʊkrəʊˌɪzəm/. It is important to spell the word correctly in scientific fields where accuracy is a priority.
Thermochromism is a phenomenon in which a substance undergoes a change in color or optical properties in response to changes in temperature. The term is derived from the combination of "thermo," meaning temperature, and "chromism," referring to the changes in color.
In thermochromic materials, the color change occurs due to alterations in the molecular or crystal structure as a result of temperature variation. These materials can display reversible or irreversible color changes depending on their composition and design. Generally, when the temperature increases, the substance absorbs energy, causing the bonds between molecules to vibrate or atoms to move, leading to a shift in the absorption of certain wavelengths of light. This alteration in light absorption then results in a change in color perception.
Thermochromic materials find various applications in different fields, including thermometers, temperature indicators, color-changing fabrics, security features in documents, and novelty items. They can provide a visual indication of temperature changes, allowing for the monitoring of heating or cooling processes or acting as warning signs for potentially harmful conditions.
It is worth noting that thermochromism is distinct from other related phenomena like photochromism (color changes in response to light), electrochromism (color changes due to an electric current), or piezochromism (color changes under pressure). While the underlying principles may share similarities, each phenomenon has its unique characteristics and mechanisms.
Thermochrosis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "thermochroism" is derived from two Greek words: "thermo" meaning heat, and "chroism" meaning color. In combination, "thermochroism" refers to the property of a substance to change color or exhibit a color change in response to changes in temperature.