What instrument do you use when you have to check whether you have a fever or not? A thermometer, right? One of the most commonly used instruments is a thermometer. You all know that there is a single type of thermometer that has the primary function of checking the temperature. But most of you would not have known that there are many types of thermometers with different uses. So, this article is going to look in detail at the types of thermometer and their uses. You will also see in what all places these are used and which is the most commonly used thermometer. So, get prepared for this great piece of information!
1. What are the 5 Uses of Thermometer?
Thermometers can be used for many purposes. Here are the 5 uses of thermometers:
- A thermometer is used to check the temperature of objects. It is commonly used to check the body temperature to see if someone is down with a fever.
- In homes, it is used to check the temperature of grill stands, ovens, and other heating appliances before use.
- Thermometers are used in automobiles as a diagnostic tool for fixing defects. It measures the temperature of vehicle parts from a distance.
- Thermometers can check for air leaks in industries and see whether there is a need for insulation.
- Restaurants are also another place where thermometers are used. Here, they are used to check the dishes’ temperature to achieve perfection and meet consumers’ satisfaction.
2. How Many Types of Thermometer Are There?
There are 12 types of thermometers that are used for various purposes. These different thermometers serve different needs and there are many uses of thermometers as well and you have already read them. Read the next pointer to know the types of thermometer and their uses. You will get to know many other different uses of thermometers. (See What are Some Measuring Cylinder Uses?)
3. What are the Types of Thermometer and Their Uses?
Let’s discuss the types of thermometer and their uses. There are 12 different types of thermometer. They are broadly classified into two types, clinical and laboratory thermometer.
A. Clinical thermometer
Clinical thermometers are any thermometers that are used in the medical field to determine body temperature. This one has different types of thermometer and their uses for specific purposes.
- Electronic ear thermometer: These thermometers use infrared technology to determine the body temperature from inside the ear canal. They use the tympanic membrane inside the ear to determine the temperature. However, they need to be correctly used because sometimes too much wax inside the ear may not give the accurate temperature.
- Forehead thermometer: Forehead thermometers use infrared technology to determine the temperature. They are a non-contact device that is popularly used in public places to determine people’s temperatures.
- Pacifier thermometer: Pacifier thermometers are used to record a newborn baby’s temperature. They do not show accurate temperature but only record the approximate temperature. Although it is the simplest approach to recording a baby’s temperature, it leads to inaccuracies in temperature readings.
- Plastic strip thermometer: This thermometer is a one-time use of plastic strip that is used to record the temperature. It does not give reliable results and is generally ineffective. The only purpose it serves is to determine if a person has a fever or not. This plastic strip is placed on the forehead and according to the body temperature, it changes its color.
- Mercury thermometer: Mercury thermometer is the most widely used thermometer. This is made up of glass and has readings over it. Mercury is filled inside it which gives the markings. It is the most accurate thermometer.
B. Digital thermometer or laboratory thermometer
As the name suggests, digital thermometers are digitally operated thermometers that have an electronic circuit and a display screen. When correctly used, they are more accurate than the traditional thermometer. They are specifically used in laboratories. This one has ben classified into different types of thermometer and their uses are:
- Liquid in glass thermometer: This device is made up of glass which is filled with either mercury or red alcohol. As the temperature rises or falls, the volume of liquid inside fluctuates. The liquid expands with the rise in temperature.
- Bimetallic Strip Thermometer: Here, two strips of different metals are joined together and held at one end. They expand at different rates when heated. This results in bending which is used to determine the temperature.
- Thermocouple thermometer: This is made up of two wires of different metals which are joined at each end. One junction is used to measure the temperature while the other is kept at a lower temperature. Standard tables or measuring instruments can be calibrated to measure the temperature.
- Pyrometer thermometer: This is a remote-sensing device that is used to measure the temperature from a distance. The thermal radiation emitted by this thermometer is used to record the temperature of the object.
- Platinum Resistance Thermometer: In this device, a platinum wire is used to measure the temperature which is connected to an electrical resistance that varies according to the surrounding temperature. They are highly precise but a bit slow.
- Probe thermometer: A probe thermometer is used to check the temperature of liquids or meals in real-time. They have a pointed tip that is used for recording the temperature.
- Thermistor: This thermometer measures the changes in electrical resistance while converting them to changes in temperature.
4. What are the Two Main Types of Thermometer?
Although we have already discussed the various types of thermometer and their uses, let’s get to know about the two main types of thermometer commonly used. The two main types of thermometer are clinical thermometers and laboratory thermometers. These two types are further classified into many types of thermometers. (See What Tools do Forensic Scientists Use?)
5. What is the Most Commonly Used Thermometer?
The most commonly used thermometer is the digital thermometer because of its accurate readings. They are fast and give reliable results. The main types of thermometers have already been discussed.
6. What Type of Thermometer is Best?
The Digital Thermometer is the best type of thermometer to measure body temperature. It is also the most commonly used thermometer because of its accuracy. (See What does the Thermometer and Snowflake mean on Weather App?)
7. Which Thermometer is Used in Hospitals?
In hospitals, the clinical thermometer is used. It is also known referred to as medical thermometer. There are various kinds of clinical thermometers that can be used for different purposes but the most accurate ones are the digital and mercury thermometers.
8. What Type of Thermometer is Used by Doctor?
Doctors generally use clinical thermometers to check a patient’s temperature. A mercury thermometer is most commonly used. There are other thermometers as well but they do not always give the accurate reading. (See How many Degrees is considered Cold?)
9. What is the Uses of Thermometer in Laboratory?
- Laboratory thermometers are mostly used for research purposes because they have a high level of precision.
- Thermometers are used in laboratories to measure the boiling and freezing point of objects in science experiments.
- The laboratory thermometer has the capability to measure the temperature ranging between -10 degree Celsius and 110 degree Celsius.
10. Which is Used in Liquid Thermometer?
Mercury is used in liquid thermometers. Mercury has the quality to expand and contract rapidly and uniformly when heated and cooled down. Even a small change in temperature is accurately detected by mercury which can be recorded from the markings on the body of the thermometer. (See What is a Drop of Liquid Mercury?)
