how do you use a water thermometer

As soon as the water reaches boiling, put the tip of the thermometer probe a few inches into the water until the water temperature stabilizes. Be sure to keep the probe in the center of the pot and away from the bottom or sides of the pot. Check the temperature reading display and compare it to the boiling point in your area.

Full Answer

How does a thermometer measure cold water?

If you are measuring something that is warm or hot, the liquid in the thermometer will expand and rise inside the thermometer's glass tube. If you are measuring something cool or cold, the liquid will contract and move down the tube. Markings on the side of a thermometer help you measure the temperature.

How long does it take for a water thermometer to work?

Hold the thermometer in place. You will hear a beep in about 30 seconds. For glass thermometers, hold in place for 3 minutes. Take the thermometer out and read the temperature.

How does a liquid thermometer work?

Liquid-in-glass thermometers are based on the principle of thermal expansion of substances. A liquid in a glass tube (called a capillary) expands when heated and contracts when cooled. A calibrated scale can then be used to read off the respective temperature that led to the corresponding thermal expansion.

How do you use a thermometer correctly?

How do I take a temperature?Clean the tip with cold water and soap, then rinse it.Turn the thermometer on.Put the tip under your tongue, towards the back of your mouth.Close your lips around the thermometer.Wait until it beeps or flashes.Check the temperature on the display.

How can water temperature be accurate?

To get an accurate temperature run the water into a cup or glass and let it overflow into the sink or basin. Put the thermometer into the cup and record the temperature once it has stabilised.

Where do you place a thermometer?

These include:Oral: For this method, the thermometer is placed under the tongue. ... Rectal: For this method, the thermometer is inserted gently into the rectum. ... Axillary: For this method, the thermometer is placed in the armpit for young children or adults whose temperature can't safely be done orally.

Do you add 1 degree under the armpit?

An armpit (axillary) temperature is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature. A forehead (temporal) scanner is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature.

How does a thermometer work simple?

A thermometer is usually made up of a small, hollow glass tube. At the bottom of the tube is a bulb, which holds a liquid such as alcohol or mercury. When there is an increase in heat, the liquid inside the bulb expands, pushing up into the tube. A decrease in heat lets the liquid contract, moving down the tube.

How does a thermometer work simple explanation?

When the tip of the mercury thermometer touches the material it is measuring, the material conducts heat energy to the mercury. Then the mercury expands as it turns into a liquid and begins to rise up the tube. The place where the mercury stops on the scale is where you can take the reading of the temperature.

What happens when a thermometer is placed in cold water?

When the thermometer is placed in cold water, the molecules slow down and their attractions bring them a little closer together bringing them down the tube. The red liquid is contained in a very thin tube so that a small difference in the volume of the liquid will be noticeable.

Which type of thermometer is most accurate?

Digital thermometersDigital thermometers are the most accurate way to measure body temperature. There are many types, including oral, rectal, and forehead, plus many that are multifunctional.

What are the 5 uses of thermometer?

Thermometers are frequently used to monitor scientific processes in laboratories. Body temperature is measured with a medical or clinical thermometer. Laboratory thermometer is used to determine the room temperature of heated solids and liquids. Infrared thermometers can take readings from a distance.

What is considered a fever?

An adult probably has a fever when the temperature is above 99°F to 99.5°F (37.2°C to 37.5°C), depending on the time of day.

Will a regular thermometer work in water?

The answer is no. This is because thermometers used to measure body temperature are calibrated differently and are not suited for other purposes.

What is the normal temperature of water?

Pure water will remain neutral at 0°C (pH is 7.47), 25°C. (pH is 7.00) or 100°C.

What type of thermometer is used for water?

Floating Thermometers This is also a good style of thermometer for water that needs to be heated to precise temperatures. The dial floats on the surface and displays the reading while the probe senses the temperature below.

How long should I wait for thermometer?

Breathe through the nose. Use the lips to hold the thermometer tightly in place. Leave the thermometer in the mouth for 3 minutes or until the device beeps.

How long does it take for a glass thermometer to read?

Leave the thermometer in place for 2-4 minutes. If you're using a rectal thermometer, 2-3 minutes is enough time. If you're taking a temperature in the mouth or under the armpit, leave the thermometer in place for 3-4 minutes. Try not to shake the thermometer as you pull it out, as this could affect the reading.

How long does it take for a thermometer to adjust?

Wait 5 minutes for the thermometer to adjust to the room. Before you check the temperature, allow the thermometer to adjust to the room. Thermometers, especially glass and bimetallic, need a few minutes to accurately read the temperature of the room.

How long does it take for a mercury thermometer to work?

about five minutesMercury Thermometers If you have an old mercury thermometer that you decide to use, shake it to get the mercury down to below 96 degrees F. Then hold it in place for about five minutes to get an accurate reading.

Using A Digital Thermometer

You can get fast and accurate readings with digital thermometers. They are available in many shapes and sizes at grocery stores, department stores,...

Taking Your Temperature Orally With A Digital Thermometer

1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. 2. Use a clean thermometer, one that has been washed in cold water, cleaned with rubbing alcohol, and...

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

Call your health provider if you have a temperature of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher. This could be a sign of infection and should be treated right aw...

Where to point laser thermometer?

Point the laser end of the infrared thermometer toward the strip of electrical tape at the side of the vessel. Again, read the manual to determine the proper distance between your infrared thermometer and the vessel to get an accurate reading.

What is an infrared thermometer?

Aluminum container. An infrared thermometer is a state of the art device that measures the surface temperature of an object. An infrared thermometer works with its series of lenses and mirrors to capture the infrared energy emitted on objects.

How to clean a thermometer?

3. Clean the thermometer with soap and water. Use cool water and any kind of hand soap or dish soap and rub it up and down on the thermometer to clean it. Rinse it thoroughly under running water to get rid of any soap residue.

How to lower temperature on glass thermometer?

Shake the thermometer to lower the temperature. Glass thermometers don't always reset themselves after you take a temperature. Grab it at the end away from the tip and swing the thermometer back and forth. Check to make sure it goes down below at least 96.8 °F (36.0 °C); it needs to be under the average body temperature. [5]

How to take a temperature in the armpit?

Place the thermometer in the armpit for an easy estimate. To take someone’s temperature in their armpit (called an axillary reading), use an oral or a rectal thermometer. Lift their arm and set the thermometer so that the tip is directly in the center of the armpit. Have the person hold their arm tightly against their body. [10]

What is the color of the tip of a rectal thermometer?

These thermometers have different tips to make it more comfortable for the person or child who's temperature you're taking. Look for a rounded tip on a rectal thermometer or a longer, narrow tip for an oral thermometer. They're often color-coded on the other end, red for anal and green for oral.

How to take a rectal temperature?

Take a rectal temperature if the person is under 5 years of age. Lubricate the tip with a bit of petroleum jelly. Place the child on their back with their legs up. Gently push the tip into the rectum, going about 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in.

What is non-mercury thermometer?

Non-mercury thermometers typically contain colored alcohol as an alternative to mercury.

What temperature should a child have when taking a fever?

3. Determine if the person has a fever. Typically, you or your child has a temperature if it's 100.4 °F (38.0 °C) when taken in the rectum, 100 °F (38 °C) when taken in the mouth, or 99 °F (37 °C) when taken under the armpit. These are the minimum temperatures for a fever.

Why Use a Food Thermometer?

Using a food thermometer is the only reliable way to ensure safety and to determine desired "doneness" of meat, poultry, and egg products. To be safe, these foods must be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature to destroy any harmful microorganisms that may be in the food.

Why do you put a thermometer in the center of a food?

Because the center of a food is usually cooler than the outer surface, place the tip in the center of the thickest part of the food. Thermistors are not designed to remain in the food while it's cooking. They should be used near the end of the estimated cooking time to check for final cooking temperatures.

How long does it take for a thermocouple thermometer to reach the final temperature?

Of all food thermometers, thermocouple thermometers reach and display the final temperature the fastest - within 2 to 5 seconds. The temperature is indicated on a digital display. A thermocouple measures temperature at the junction of two fine wires located in the tip of the probe.

How long does it take for a thermometer to read food temperature?

The food temperature is indicated on a digital display or by indicator lights on the handle within 2 to 10 seconds (depending on the type).

How thick is a thermocouple?

Thermocouples used in scientific laboratories have very thin probes, similar to hypodermic needles, while others may have a thickness of 1/16 of an inch. Since thermocouple thermometers respond so rapidly, the temperature can be quickly checked in a number of locations to ensure that the food is safely cooked.

What is a thermocouple used for?

This is especially useful for cooking large foods, such as roasts or turkeys, when checking the temperature in more than one place is advised. The thin probe of the thermocouple also enables it to accurately read the temperature of thin foods such as hamburger patties, pork chops, and chicken breasts.

What temperature should meat be cooked at?

For reasons of personal preference, consumers may choose to cook meat to higher temperatures. A food thermometer should also be used to ensure that cooked food is held at safe temperatures until served. Cold foods should be held at 40 °F or below. Hot food should be kept hot at 140 °F or above.

How to test water temperature with a thermometer?

Place the thermometer in a beaker of water to test the water temperature. This is a good way to demonstrate using the thermometer, especially if you’re doing it in a classroom. Full a big beaker with water that’s either colder or warmer than the ambient temperature of the room. Then put in the Galileo thermometer.

What is a thermometer made of?

The thermometer consists of a glass tube filled with a clear liquid, in which colored glass spheres float. Each sphere has a metal medallion hanging from it. The medallions are different weights, which makes the spheres float or sink different amounts. Look closely at each metal medallion.

Why can't you hold a thermometer in your hands?

The key is to not hold the thermometer in your hands because your hands will warm it up and give a skewed reading. The spheres in the thermometer take a few minutes to float to the correct places. Keep in mind that Galileo thermometers are not super precise.

How precise is a Galileo thermometer?

Keep in mind that Galileo thermometers are not super precise. They’ll be able to tell you roughly the temperature of the room, within 4 °F (−16 °C). Their main benefit is that they're beautiful, with all those floating glass spheres.

Why does Galileo's thermometer work?

The Galileo thermometer works because of the principle of buoyancy, which states that objects that are denser than their surroundings sink, and objects that are less dense than their surroundings float.

How to tell the temperature of a Galileo thermometer?

Changing temperatures cause the colorful orbs to either sink or float inside the glass tube. You can tell the temperature by reading the medallion on the middle floating sphere , if there are clusters of spheres at the top and the bottom of the tube, or with a few other tricks, depending on the configuration of the spheres.

How to average the temperature of a sphere?

If that’s the case, read the temperature of the lowest sphere in the top group and the highest sphere in the bottom group. Take the average by adding them together and dividing by 2. That’s your temperature.

How to use a thermometer with a sound?

Slip the plastic sheath over the bottom tip of the thermometer. The thermometer will indicate that it’s ready to be used with a sound, light, or both. Place the thermometer’s tip underneath the tongue . Some thermometers come with grooves that indicate how far into the mouth it should go.

How to keep a baby from getting a thermometer?

Wash your hands. Make sure your thermometer is clean and has working batteries. Cover the tip of the thermometer with a plastic sheath and apply lubricant, such as petroleum jelly or a water-based lubricant such as K-Y jelly. Babies can be placed on their backs, with their legs in the air.

What is the difference between a tympanic and an axillary thermometer?

Tympanic thermometer readings are typically 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) higher than oral temperature readings. Axillary thermometer readings can be 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than oral temperature readings (and may be the least reliable).

How long should you wait to take a rectal thermometer?

Wait at least 15 minutes. Rectal readings may be uncomfortable to get for infants and small children. You shouldn’t use the same thermometer for both rectal and oral readings. This may require the purchase of two thermometers, which should be labeled. Batteries in thermometers should be replaced periodically.

What temperature do you take with a digital thermometer?

When assessing digital thermometer readings, keep in mind that armpit (axillary) temperature runs about ½ to 1°F (0.6°C) cooler than oral readings. Rectal thermometers run ½ to 1°F (0.6°C) warmer than oral readings.

What are the drawbacks of a forehead thermometer?

Forehead thermometers must be positioned accurately and according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or they will not provide the right reading. Readings can be affected by external factors, including drafts, wind, indoor heating, and direct sunlight.

What is mercury thermometer?

Mercury thermometers provide accurate temperature readings and can be used orally, rectally, or under the arm.

How does a thermometer work?

It is the downward force of gravity that makes this thermometer work. The basic idea is that as the temperature of the air outside the thermometer changes, so does the temperature of the water surrounding the bubbles. As the temperature of the water changes, it either expands or contracts, thereby changing its density.

What is the name of the thermometer on a desk?

Based on a thermoscope invented by Galileo Galilei in the early 1600s, the thermometer on your co-worker's desk is called a Galileo thermometer. A simple, fairly accurate thermometer, today it is mostly used as decoration. The Galileo thermometer consists of a sealed glass tube that is filled with water and several floating bubbles.

What happens to bubbles when the temperature of water changes?

As the temperature of the water changes, it either expands or contracts, thereby changing its density. So, at any given density, some of the bubbles will float and others will sink. The bubble that sinks the most indicates the approximate current temperature. Consider this example:

What is the Galileo thermometer?

The Galileo thermometer consists of a sealed glass tube that is filled with water and several floating bubbles. The bubbles are glass spheres filled with a colored liquid mixture. This liquid mixture may contain alcohol, or it might simply be water with food coloring.

What is the heaviest bubble in a thermometer?

The blue bubble (60 degrees) is the heaviest (densest) bubble, and each bubble thereafter is slightly lighter, with the red bubble being the lightest. Now, let's say the temperature in the room is 70 degrees. Since the surrounding air is 70 degrees, we know the water inside the thermometer is also about 70 degrees.

How to read ambient temperature?

You can read the ambient temperature by looking at the spheres that float in the liquid. Now, read the tag that is attached to the middle bulb to get the temperature. If you don’t see a sphere in the middle, look at the lowest one to read the temperature.

How many bubbles are there in a thermometer?

Let's say there are five bubbles in the thermometer: The blue bubble (60 degrees) is the heaviest (densest) bubble, and each bubble thereafter is slightly lighter, with the red bubble being the lightest. Now, let's say the temperature in the room is 70 degrees.