Thermometer: Understanding Temperature Measurement

A thermometer is a device used to measure temperature. It consists of a sensor that detects changes in temperature and converts them into a numerical value for easy reading.
Category
Device
Where to get
Widely available in pharmacies, medical supply stores, and online retailers.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Thermometer FAQ


Image credit: climate.ncsu.edu

What is a thermometer based on?

Photo: A typical thermometer consists of a liquid in a tube that rises and falls against a linear scale (one with equally spaced divisons) marked with the temperature. How do we figure out the scale? Making a Celsius (centigrade) thermometer is easy, because it's based on the temperatures of ice and boiling water.

What is a thermometer used for?

Thermometers are widely used in technology and industry to monitor processes, in meteorology, in medicine ( medical thermometer ), and in scientific research. While an individual thermometer is able to measure degrees of hotness, the readings on two thermometers cannot be compared unless they conform to an agreed scale.

How do thermometers measure temperature?

Thermometers measure temperature according to well-defined scales of measurement. The three most common temperature scales are Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin. Temperature scales are created by identifying two reproducible temperatures. The freezing and boiling temperatures of water at standard atmospheric pressure are commonly used.

What does a thermometer do?

They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. thermometer, instrument for measuring the temperature of a system. Temperature measurement is important to a wide range of activities, including manufacturing, scientific research, and medical practice.

How does a digital thermometer measure body temperature?

Digital thermometers use a thermistor, a resistor with a resistance that varies with temperature. To measure body temperature, infrared thermometers that focus infrared light onto a detector that measures the amount of light received and convert the electrical signal produced by the detector into a temperature were also used.

What is the difference between a thermometer and a temperature reading?

When a thermometer was used to measure the temperature of a liquid or of air, the thermometer was kept in the liquid or air while a temperature reading was being taken. Obviously, when you take the temperature of the human body you can't do the same thing.

Thermometer References

If you want to know more about Thermometer, consider exploring links below:

Explore Related Topics

What impact does antibiotic resistance have on primary care practice?

Antibiotic resistance is a global health threat. How does antibiotic resistance impact primary care practice, and what strategies can healthcare providers implement to combat this issue?

How does antibiotic resistance impact vulnerable populations?

Examine the disproportionate effects of antibiotic resistance on vulnerable communities and individuals with limited access to healthcare.