Exploring the Library of Thermometers – A Bird’s Eye View

Undoubtedly, temperature-measuring devices have been involved in human life since the creation of this universe. Whether it is human temperature or any other external temperature, the role of thermometers cannot be denied. Digital, infrared, mercury, and tympanic thermometers are commonly used to measure the temperature of the human body. Similarly, there are other temperature-checking devices for measuring its warmth or coldness. The right thermometer is the one that shows the right temperature, is user-friendly and is of high-build quality.

Walking in the Library of Thermometers

Have you ever wondered why everyone looks for a ‘Thermometer’ whenever someone needs to know the temperature? Well, it might seem a no-brainer but – it is made for it. A much more important question is that why do we even need to check temperature? 

Temperatures are an important part of human lives. They are everywhere. Whether it is the human body, external or machine temperature. However, its maintenance is what needs to be monitored. For this purpose, the importance of thermometers cannot be denied.

Take a look at the different types of thermometers used for different purposes:

• Mercury Thermometer – Checking Human Body Temperature the Simple Way

The expansion of mercury – a naturally occurring element, in a consistent way, has made the thermometers built with it one of the most commonly used ones. These thermometers have a bulb filled with mercury at the button of a sealed glass tube. 

The other steel end is either placed in the armpit, mouth, or rectal. Whenever the steel end feels a temperature change, it causes the mercury to move – indicating human temperature ( by checking the measurement scale printed on the glass tube.

Temperature is detected with the help of a thermistor placed inside the thermometer.  The heat sensors in it activate whenever a temperature change is sensed. As a result, the electrical signals turn into digital numbers – showing the exact human body temperature.

• Tympanic Thermometer – Temperature checks via Infrared Technology:

The proximity of the ear canal with the carotid artery – which shares blood supply with the hypothalamus ( part of the forebrain ) – the temperature control centre, has made it an important source for checking human body temperature. This closeness paves the way for the best results. 

So, a tympanic thermometer uses infrared technology to measure human temperature when brought close to the ear canal. As they are non-invasive and instant at work, they are mostly used to check children's temperatures.

• Infrared Thermometer – Calculating Emission of Radiations For Temperature Calculation

Do you remember the times of COVID-19 when person-to-person contact was restricted and temperature checks were compulsory? Whether it was an airport, a shopping mall, or a hospital – everyone’s body temperature was priorly checked by pointing a gun-like machine. 

Does it ring bells? Well, that machine was an Infrared thermometer that detected temperatures based on the amount and intensity of infrared waves emitted by a body. The higher the rays, the higher the temperature. 

• Room Thermometer – A Step Forward To Maintain The Surrounding Temperature

Did you ever enter your room and feel suffocated because of excessive heating? Well, it seems like you turned on the heating system excessively without taking a look at the thermometer placed in your room – showing difference from normal temperature and humidity levels. 

A room thermometer helps in maintaining the room temperature for a congenial living environment. One can adjust the HVAC system based on these thermometers. In addition, these devices have humidity sensors that help get rid of diseases caused by high humidity levels. 

• Fridge and Oven Thermometers

Have you ever come across a moment when you mistakenly froze a snack by setting a very low fridge temperature? Well, it seems like you need to get your hands on a fridge thermometer that helps in the maintenance of food by setting the right cooling system in your fridge.

Similarly, overheating in ovens can also spoil or make food uneatable. In this regard, an oven thermometer helps in setting the right time to warm – making it worthy to eat! To add on, food that is heated on the most optimum basis also helps in keeping it free from bacteria!

• Galileo Thermometer – Checking Temperatures with the Buoyancy Principle

John Galileo – a 17th-century Italian physicist figured out that the density of liquid changes with the temperature change. This made him build a thermometer based on the buoyancy principle.

Want to know what exactly it is?

Galileo’s thermometer is built out of:

• Sealed Glass tube

• Glass balls with different densities 

• Metal disc with temperatures on balls 

• Transparent liquid 

As soon as a change in temperature is detected, it paves the way for a change in liquid density. As a result, the glass balls rise and fall. The temperature is then read from the balls that are on the top.

How to Choose the Best Thermometer For Use?

Choosing the right thermometer for a specific use can sometimes be a daunting task. For this purpose, take a look at the things you should checkmark before choosing one:

Conclusion

To sum up, thermometers can help in paving the way for congenial temperatures. Whether you need to keep a check on your body temperature or any other temperature, you need a thermometer that has high result accuracy and provides swift responses. From mercury thermometers to Galileo thermometers, every single one has its importance in the world of thermometers.