|
Types of Thermometers
There are different types of thermometers that measure the temperatures of
different things like air, our body, food and many other things. There are clinical
thermometers, laboratory thermometers, Galileo thermometers and digital remote
thermometers. Among these, the commonly used thermometers are clinical
thermometers and laboratory thermometers.
Clinical Thermometer:
These thermometers are used to measure the temperature of the human body, at
home, clinics and hospitals. All clinical thermometers have a kink that
prevents the mercury from falling down rapidly so that the temperature can be
noted conveniently. There are temperature scales on either side of the mercury
thread, one in Celsius scale and the other in Fahrenheit scale.
The normal temperature of body in clinical thermometer is 37oC to
98.4oF
Precautions:
• Wash the thermometer before and after use with an antiseptic solution, and
handle it with care.
• See that the mercury levels are below the kink and don't hold the thermometer
near its bulb.
• While noting down the reading in the thermometer, place the mercury level
along the eye sight.
• Do not place the thermometer in a hot flame or in the hot sun.
Laboratory Thermometers
The thermometer which is used to measure the temperature of other objects in
laboratory is called laboratory thermometer.. They are also used in the
industry as they can measure temperatures higher than what clinical
thermometers can record. The stem and the bulb are longer when compared to that
of a clinical thermometer. A laboratory thermometer has only the Celsius scale
ranging from -10o C to 110o C.
Precautions:
• A laboratory thermometer doesn't have a kink.
• Do not tilt the thermometer. Place it upright.
• Note the reading only when the bulb has been surrounded by the substance from
all sides.
|
