Changes in the sample, either exothermic or endothermic, can be detected relative to the inert reference.
Thus, a DTA curve provides data on the transformations that have occurred, such as glass transitions, crystallization, melting and sublimation.
The area under a DTA peak is the enthalpy change and is not affected by the heat capacity of the sample.
As the temperature is increased, there will be a brief deflection of the voltmeter if the sample is undergoing a phase transition.
A DTA curve can be used only as a finger print for identification purposes but usually the applications of this method are the determination of phase diagrams, heat change measurements and decomposition in various atmospheres.