What is a thermometer and what uses does it have?
A thermometer is a device used to measure temperature. Thermometers have been used since ancient times, and the first models were made of mercury. There are now many different types of thermometers, and they are used in a variety of applications, from medicine to meteorology.
1. Mercury thermometer
Mercury is a heavy metal that is in a liquid state at room temperatures. The mercury thermometer can be used to measure body temperature, water temperature, or even room temperature.
To use it, simply place the tip of the thermometer under your tongue and wait a few minutes for the mercury to reach body temperature. Then read the temperature on the graduated scale of the thermometer.
Mercury thermometers are generally more accurate than digital thermometers, but they are also much more dangerous if they break. If a mercury thermometer breaks, seek medical attention immediately, as mercury can be toxic if inhaled or ingested.
2. Alcohol thermometer
The alcohol thermometer is a type of thermometer that uses alcohol instead of mercury. Alcohol is in a liquid state at room temperatures, so it can measure temperature fairly accurately.
To use, simply place the tip of the thermometer under your tongue and wait a few minutes for the alcohol to reach body temperature. Then read the temperature on the graduated scale of the thermometer.
Alcohol thermometers are generally safer than mercury thermometers, but they are also slightly less accurate. If an alcohol thermometer breaks, seek medical attention immediately, as alcohol can be toxic if inhaled or swallowed.
3. Infrared thermometer
An infrared thermometer is a device that measures body temperature through the use of infrared heat waves. To use, simply point the tip of the thermometer at your forehead and press the button to turn it on.
Then wait a few seconds for the device to measure your temperature. Most infrared thermometers are quite accurate and can measure temperature to within a degree of error.
Some infrared thermometers can also measure ambient temperature. These thermometers are useful for monitoring the temperature of a baby or young child, as they do not require anyone to directly touch the child.
4. Mechanical bimetallic thermometer
A bimetallic thermometer is a type of mechanical thermometer that uses a bent sheet of metal to measure temperature. To use it, simply place the tip of the thermometer on the object or area you wish to measure and wait a few seconds for the needle to move to the correct temperature.
Bimetallic thermometers are generally quite accurate and can measure temperature to within a degree of error. However, due to their mechanical design, they are more prone to breakage than other types of thermometers.
5. Digital thermometer
A digital thermometer is a type of thermometer that uses an electronic sensor to measure temperature. To use it, simply place the tip of the thermometer on the object or area you wish to measure and wait a few seconds for the needle to move to the correct temperature.
Digital thermometers are generally quite accurate and can measure temperature to within a degree of error. However, due to their electronic design, they are more prone to failure than other types of thermometers.
6. Contact thermometer
A contact thermometer is a type of thermometer that is placed in direct contact with the skin to measure temperature. To use it, simply place the tip of the thermometer on the forehead or neck of the person you want to measure and wait a few seconds for the needle to move to the correct temperature.
Contact thermometers are generally quite accurate and can measure temperature to within a degree of error. However, due to their design, they can be uncomfortable for some people.
7. Probe thermometer
A probe thermometer is a device used to measure a person’s body temperature. To use, simply place the tip of the thermometer on the person’s forehead and press the button to turn it on. Then wait a few seconds for the device to measure the temperature.
Most probe thermometers are quite accurate and can measure temperature to within a degree of error. Some probe thermometers even they have the function of emitting an audible signal or vibrating when they detect that the body temperature is above a certain threshold.
This feature can be useful for people who need to constantly monitor their temperature, such as young children or older adults.
8. Wall thermometer
A wall thermometer is a device used to measure room temperature. It is placed on the wall and read through a window at the top of the device. Most wall thermometers also have a built-in compass, allowing them to be more accurate when it comes to determining wind direction.
9. Resistance thermometer
The resistance of the RTD thermometer is very sensitive to heat (about 10 times more than that of a mercury thermometer) and its accuracy can be improved up to ±0.1 °C by calibration, but the cost is also higher. The RTD temperature sensor is made up of a conductive noble metal element covered with insulation.
RTD thermometers are used in a variety of applications, such as measuring the temperature of water in boilers and other heating equipment, as well as in the petrochemical industry to measure the temperature of liquids and gases.
10. Maximum and minimum thermometer (Six Bellani)
The thermostat sets the room temperature as shown on the display, adjusting the fan speed. As for the maximum and minimum thermostat, it regulates the temperature of the environment showing the highest and lowest temperature recorded during a certain period of time. In fact, the maximum and minimum thermostat is useful to understand how the temperature of the environment varies at different times of the day.
The maximum temperature is recorded with the M (maximum) key on the front of the device. To record the minimum temperature, press the L key (minimum). If the M or L keys are not pressed, the current temperature is read on the display. The M and L keys are touch sensitive, so they can be operated with one finger.
References:
- “A Thermometer for All Seasons” by Dr. John H. Lienhard and Dr. George W. Colligan (2005)
- “Thermometers and Temperature: A History” by Robert P. Multhauf and others (1966)
- “The Evolution of the Thermometer” by Joseph M. Moran and Edward C. Moore (1982)
- “The Physics of the Thermometer” by Ernst R. Hilgard and Leo Mandelkern (1961)
- “Thermometry” by J.R. Dunning-Davies (1988)