Thermometers

Thermometers are used to measure temperature.

The temperature of a material tells us how hot or cold it is.

The units for temperature are Degrees Celsius ( °C ).

Material Temperature ( °C )

Air in room
Air outside
Skin
Ice
Water (kettle)
Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
All thermometers must have some property that
changes when the temperature changes.

In a liquid-in-glass thermometer the volume of the liquid changes when

the temperature changes.

When the temperature increases the liquid expands (larger volume).

When the temperature decreases the liquid contracts (smaller

volume).
The Clinical Thermometer
The clinical thermometer is a special liquid-in-glass
thermometer used by doctors and nurses.

It works in the same way as an ordinary liquid-in-glass

thermometer but with some additional features.

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1. A kink in the tube stops the temperature reading falling when

the clinical thermometer is removed from the patient.
2. The scale is shorter and more accurate ( measures to 0.1 °C )
3. Its triangular shape magnifies the liquid making it easier to read.
Using the Clinical Thermometer
1. Shake the thermometer to get liquid below the kink.

2. Place under tongue or armpit of patient.

3. Wait for a few minutes.

4. Remove from patient and read temperature.

 Body Temperature & Illness
Normal internal body temperature is 37 °C.

A body temperature a few degrees above 37 °C

can mean a patient is ill.

Hyperthermia is when the body temperature

increases way above normal.

Death occurs at about 45 °C.

Hypothermia is when the body temperature falls

way below normal.

Death occurs at about 26 °C.