A thermometer is a device used to measure temperature. It consists of a long, narrow, glass tube with a bulb at one end that contains a liquid, typically mercury or colored alcohol. As the temperaturechanges, the liquid expands or contracts, rising or falling within the tube, indicating the temperature on a scale.
There are different types of thermometers, including:
Mercury thermometers: Contain mercury and have been widely used, but are being phased out due to the toxic nature of mercury.
Digital thermometers: Use electronic heat sensors to measure temperature and display the results digitally.
Infrared thermometers: Measure temperature from a distance using a laser to target the object being measured.
Thermocouple thermometers: Use two different metals to produce a voltage that corresponds to the temperature.
Study Guide: Thermometer
Here are some key points to remember about thermometers:
Explain the principle behind the functioning of a thermometer.
List the different types of thermometers and their uses.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using different types of thermometers.
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain how organisms are classified by physical characteristics, organized into levels of taxonomy, and identified by binomial nomenclature (e.g., taxonomic classification, dichotomous keys).
Engage in argument to justify the grouping of viruses in a category separate from living things.