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5.
Laboratory thermometer

In few scientific applications, it may required measuring the temperature higher than

42°C and lesser than 35°C ; in such cases clinical thermometers cannot be used. We

need a laboratory thermometer in such cases.

Laboratory or Lab thermometers are the instruments that are used to measure

the temperatures for scientific researches in schools and labs.

Fig. - Laboratory Thermometer

 
Lab thermometers are designed to measure the temperatures, the boiling point and
the freezing point of substances. 
 

Fig. - Experiment on Laboratory Thermometer

 
In industries, it is used to measure temperatures higher than what clinical
thermometers can measure.
 
Structure of Laboratory Thermometer:
● It has a long narrow tube (Stem) and bulb compared to the clinical thermometer.
● There is no kink in the Laboratory thermometer.
Temperature Scale in Laboratory Thermometer:

● It has only the Celsius scale ranging from −10°C to 110 °C .

Precautions to be followed while using a Laboratory Thermometer:

● Do not tilt the thermometer while measuring the temperature. Place it upright.
● Note the reading only when the substance from all sides  has surrounded the
bulb.
● Make sure that the bulb should not touch the bottom or sides of the
container.
● Do not move the thermometer while doing the measurements.

Difference between Clinical and Laboratory Thermometers:

 
 Parameter
to be Clinical Thermometer Laboratory Thermometer
compared
Application Clinical Scientific Research and Lab
It is used to measure the human It is used to find out the boiling point
Uses
body temperature. and freezing point of the substances

Range °
35 C to 42°C  / 94°F to 108 °F 10 C° to 110 °C

Mercury level does not fall on its

own, as there is
a kink near the Mercury level falls on its own as no
Structure
bulb to event the fall of mercury kink is present.
level.
Temperature is read while keeping
Temperature can be read after
the thermometer
in the source of
Working removing the
thermometer from
temperature, e.g. a liquid or any
other
the armpit or mouth.
thing.
Jerks are given to lower the No need to jerk to lower the mercury
Restoration
mercury level. level.

Reference:
Image credit:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lab_thermometer_2.JPG