Which statement best describes Type K and Type N thermocouples in terms of range and stability?

Which statement best describes Type K and Type N thermocouples in terms of range and stability?

• A. Type N broader range than Type K
• B. Type K broadly used with a broad temperature range; Type N offers better stability and lower drift at high temperatures
• C. Type K provides better long-term stability than Type N
• D. Type N is platinum-based

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is how these two thermocouple types behave as temperatures rise. Type K (Chromel–Alumel) is the workhorse: it has a broad usable temperature range and is widely used because it’s reliable and cost-effective. Type N (Nicrosil–Nisil) was developed to reduce drift and improve stability at higher temperatures. So, when you compare them, Type K provides the broad range and broad usage, while Type N offers better stability and lower drift at high temperatures. The statement reflects that balance. The other points don’t fit: Type N is not platinum-based (it’s nickel-based alloys), and discussions that Type K has better long-term stability at high temperatures aren’t correct—the higher-temperature stability advantage belongs to Type N.

The main idea here is how these two thermocouple types behave as temperatures rise. Type K (Chromel–Alumel) is the workhorse: it has a broad usable temperature range and is widely used because it’s reliable and cost-effective. Type N (Nicrosil–Nisil) was developed to reduce drift and improve stability at higher temperatures. So, when you compare them, Type K provides the broad range and broad usage, while Type N offers better stability and lower drift at high temperatures. The statement reflects that balance.

The other points don’t fit: Type N is not platinum-based (it’s nickel-based alloys), and discussions that Type K has better long-term stability at high temperatures aren’t correct—the higher-temperature stability advantage belongs to Type N.