A thermometer is an instrument designed for measuring and indicating temperature or a temperature gradient. Before proceeding to any further information, let’s define the term ‘thermometer’ first. It is a term formed by merging two Latin terms: ‘thermo' that means heat and ‘meter’ that means a measuring device. Hence, a thermometer is a device to measure heat. In another way to say, it is a tool that helps you to measure the temperature of anything, and consists of two important elements:
A temperature sensor in which changes occur with respect to change in temperature. For example - the bulb in a mercury-in-glass thermometer.
Some means to convert the sensed temperature into an easy to read numerical value, i.e., a scale with numerical values to read the temperature. For example - the digital readout on infrared thermometers or the visible scale marked on the mercury-in-glass thermometers.
Note that to express the temperature, most of the thermometers emphasize degrees, such as Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F). However, in the case of science, there are possibilities to find thermometers with Kelvin (K) scale, focused on the temperature of the absolute zero.
Depending on the mechanism to determine the temperature and the sphere of use, there are several types of thermometers used in different sectors, including automobiles, healthcare, technology, scientific research, etc. As we discussed, the main use of any thermometer is to measure and indicate temperature. With this device, we can measure the temperature of not just objects but our surroundings as well, and therefore, can prevent various health issues and other problems. For example, if we determine the temperature of the air blowing outside by using a thermometer, we can dress appropriately, and thus, prevent worries that may be possible due to extremely hot or cold weather. If we are not feeling well, then we can measure our body temperature to ensure whether we have a fever or not. Guys wait, there is more: Thermometers in science are used to measure the temperatures of different liquids, metals, gases, etc. We can use a thermometer even to find out the temperature of our food. In short, the thermometers nowadays have found multiple applications in almost every area. Let's have a look at some of the vital fields where these significant instruments are commonly used.
Uses of Thermometers in Houses
We all know that the prime use of a thermometer, no matter whether in the house or at any other place, is to measure the temperature of a human body, object, environment, and more. In homes, thermometers come in handy when one wants to know the temperature of the water, food, or other things. Many parents prefer using the thermometers for checking the temperature of swings, slides, or other equipment in the playground before allowing the kids to touch them. These are also used to measure the accurate temperature of ovens, grill stands, and other heating appliances on an instant basis.
Uses of Thermometers in Industries
In most of the industries, thermometers play a crucial role in checking for poorly insulated areas and air leaks to ensure that the safety standards are well-maintained. For instance, experts at industries use the thermometer to check the insulation by measuring and comparing the temperature of the exterior and interior surface of the walls.
Uses of Thermometer in Automobiles
When it comes to automobiles, we often use the infrared thermometers designed to take readings from far away, i.e., a considerable distance. These thermometers can prove beneficial in situations when you are having a hard time reaching the hose, wires, and other components while working on your automobiles.
The thermometer can also act as a helpful diagnostic tool for fixing glitches and defects in various parts of the vehicles by measuring the temperature of the same. For example - tires, engines, transmitters, brakes, clutches, etc.
Uses of Thermometer in Hospitals or Healthcare Centers
In the medical and scientific fields, doctors use clinical and laboratory thermometers to find out the temperatures of the patient's body. Moreover, infrared thermometers in these industries help the users in identifying the temperature difference, and thus, take necessary precautionary steps before something dangerous takes place. We can also use the thermometers to check the temperature of things in a science lab.
Uses of Thermometers in Restaurants
In the present 21st century, there are thousands of big restaurants and hotels that use different types of thermometers to maintain and keep track of the temperature of the dishes. This helps them achieve perfection and customer satisfaction that is essential for the growth of their business. An infrared thermometer is used to test the sample of the food before serving the customer. Irrespective of the batch (fresh batch and leftover) the food should be heated for 15 seconds and up to 165 degrees to make it ready to eat.
The thermometers likewise help the users or chefs at restaurants to make sure that the semi-solid dishes have reached a temperature suitable to kill-off the bacteria present in the dishes.
Some other uses of thermometer include measuring the temperature:
Outside,
When someone is ill,
Of an oven,
Of a pool,
Of sugar, while making candy,
Of an incubator for a premature infant or growing bacterial units in the laboratories.
These were some of the remarkable uses and applications of the thermometer. Undoubtedly, this is not an all-inclusive list, but we hope it gets you started!
