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The main purpose of a laboratory mercury thermometer is to record temperature accurately. In the health sections, one will find the common clinical thermometers, which are mostly replaced by digital ones. Exposure to mercury is dangerous and as a result, many countries are phasing it out.
This kind of thermometers is useful in situations when required to know the temperature within specific limits. For example, one may use standard thermometers in chemistry labs where chemicals must be under specific temperatures. It marks temperatures in degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit. Its length is about 10 inches and can reflect temperatures from -37 to 400 degrees. Standard thermometers are accurate to within 1 degree for most ranges. However, in some cases, they can be precise to within 0.1 degrees for smaller ranges such as -20 to 100 degrees.
This can also be referred to as a glass mercury thermometer due to its glass casing. The thermometer consists of a bulb at the top, which holds mercury and a thin tubing. Furthermore, it marks Celsius and Fahrenheit. A bulb thermometer is useful in labs where one needs to determine the temperature of liquids or any other substances and particularly during chemical reactions. A fragile and slow response gadget takes about 2 minutes to reply. Temperature measurement ranges from -20 to 100 °C with an accuracy of ±0.5 °C.
This type of mercury thermometer takes measurements without contacting the surface. Infrared thermometers operate by focusing on the infrared indicating radiation from the examined body. Their application in most laboratories is ideal for quick measurements, especially in experiments where mercury exposure should be avoided.
A clinical thermometer is designed to measure human and animal body temperatures, hence the name. It provides a measurement from 35 degrees to 42 degrees Celsius. For this reason, some medical place still uses it thermometers. Most clinical thermometers are more accurate than other thermometers.
Following are the important factors why choosing a certain instrument carefully is important.
Accuracy is the main thing when measuring temperature in labs. Also, correct readings ensure experiments are correct and give similar results. Furthermore, it helps in controlling processes that demand adherence to set point temperatures in many industries like chemical manufacturing.
It is the time taken to record a temperature after a change. It varies between thermometers when dealing with quick changes in temperature. Thus, this is important in experiments that require quick readings. Furthermore, fast thermometers guarantee one does not miss important data.
The temperature range one can measure before a thermometer fails its function or breaks down is called the measuring range of that specific mercury thermometer. Moreover, select one with a range wide enough to cover all temperature needs. In addition, using a thermometer beyond its limits can easily cause inaccurate readings and damage to the equipment.
This happens when a material is subjected to temperature change and thus expands. In addition, in a lab vacuum, the mercury bulb expands as the temperature rise, and mark the readings, which indicates its length. Apart from that, the precise thermal expansion of mercury makes it a superb temperature measuring liquid.
It is easy to use and read. Be sure to confirm the readability of its scale. A scale that can be clearly marked for fine readings is better. Furthermore, it's vital to ensure the device is easy to handle and can be read under proper conditions without straining.
Always conduct research on the supplier to ascertain their reliability and reputation. In addition, check online reviews and request references from other vendors. Moreover, prioritize those that maintain open lines of communication.
Price and quality information on different kinds of laboratory thermometers taken from various suppliers. This is done to develop an understanding of the price range and the quality of available products. Also, consider research on alternative products, for example, digital thermometers.
It is important to ensure quality. Thus, establish quality control measures to include third-party testing or inspection upon delivery. In addition, clarify warranty terms and conditions.
To reduce costs, consider buying in bulk. Moreover, weigh the benefits of large orders against storage and handling requirements.
Also, pay attention to the delivery time. Then, make sure to account for this when placing orders so that stocks are refilled on time.
The glass design of thermometers makes them an admirable creation since they are plain and incredibly efficient. They all have a cylindrical tube where a bulb is at one end, and mercury rises and marks temperature. In addition, the narrow part of the tube is called the throat. This design narrows towards the end to enable easy reading the mercury level.
The materials constituting the thermometers contribute a lot to their performance. The glass is mostly transparent and helps readers see the mercury level. It also helps make the thermometer durable and avoid breaking. On the list of materials, mercury is a superlative conductor of heat and expands well while measuring temperature.
When heated, mercury shifts to occupy a space in the thin tube, where its volume increase marks the temperature. Also, the marked scale can either be in Celsius or Fahrenheit, facilitating easy reading. Its precise design provides accurate temperature measurements in laboratory settings.
A1: Incorrect readings can happen when a mercury thermometer is exposed to direct sunlight or when it is near hot surfaces. Also, fast-moving air can cause inaccuracies because it affects how the mercury expands and contracts.
A2: One can increase a thermometer's lifespan by storing it in a place with no temperature change. Moreover, handling it with care and making sure no liquid inside spills contributes to longevity.
A3: No matter how accurate the infrared thermometer is, it still fails with speed and mercy glass thermometers because the former lacks contact with the element for heat transfer; thus, it is slower in response.
A4: The mistake that occurs most often is reading error. Hence, parallax can be avoided by looking straight at the mercury meniscus. In addition, not shaking the thermometer before use can lead to false readings.
A5: Yes, however, special provisions for collecting and processing old glass thermometers with mercury exist in a few countries and regions. Generally, it is thrown in a separate waste since it is hazardous.