Thermometer Study Guide

What is a Thermometer?

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 (usually mercury or alcohol). The liquid expands and contracts with changes in temperature, causing it to rise or fall in the tube, indicating the temperature.

Types of Thermometers

• Mercury Thermometers: These thermometers use mercury as the liquid that expands and contracts. They are commonly used but are being phased out due to the toxicity of mercury.
• Digital Thermometers: These thermometers use electronic sensors to measure temperature and display the results on a digital screen.
• Infrared Thermometers: These thermometers measure temperature from a distance by detecting the infrared energy emitted by an object.

How to Use a Thermometer

1. Shake the thermometer to ensure the liquid is at the lowest point.
2. Place the thermometer in the object or environment whose temperature you want to measure.
3. Wait for the liquid to stabilize and then read the temperature on the scale.

Temperature Scales

Temperature can be measured using different scales, but the most common ones are:

• Celsius (°C): The Celsius scale is based on the freezing and boiling points of water, with 0°C being the freezing point and 100°C being the boiling point at sea level.
• Fahrenheit (°F): The Fahrenheit scale is also based on the freezing and boiling points of water, with 32°F being the freezing point and 212°F being the boiling point at sea level.

Applications of Thermometers

Thermometers are used in various settings, including:

• Medical use to measure body temperature
• Weather forecasting to measure air and water temperature
• Industrial processes to monitor temperature in manufacturing and production

Conclusion

Thermometers are essential tools for measuring temperature in different environments and have a wide range of applications in science, medicine, and everyday life.