Theory:
Infew scientific applications, it mayrequiredmeasuring the temperature higher than \(42\)°\(C\) and lesser than \(35\)°\(C\); in such cases clinical thermometers cannot be used. We need a laboratory thermometer in such cases.
Laboratory or Lab thermometers are the instrumentsthat are used to measure the temperatures for scientific researches in schools and labs.
Fig. - Laboratory Thermometer
Lab thermometers are designedto measure the temperatures, theboiling point and thefreezing point of substances.
Fig. - Experiment on Laboratory Thermometer
In industries, it is used to measure temperatures higher than what clinical thermometers can measure.
Structure ofLaboratory Thermometer:
- It has a longnarrow tube (Stem) and bulb compared to the clinical thermometer.
- There is no kink in the Laboratory thermometer.
Temperature Scale inLaboratory Thermometer:
It has only the Celsius scale ranging from −\(10\)°\(C\) to \(110\)°\(C\).
Important!
Precautions to be followed while using a Laboratory Thermometer:
Do not tilt the thermometer while measuring the temperature. Place it upright.
Note the reading only when the substance from all sides has surrounded the bulb.
Make sure that the bulb should not touch thebottom or sidesof the container.
Do not move the thermometer while doing the measurements.
Difference between Clinical and Laboratory Thermometers:
Parameter to be compared | Clinical Thermometer | Laboratory Thermometer |
| Application | Clinical | Scientific Research and Lab |
| Uses | It is used to measure the human body temperature. | It is used to find out the boiling point and freezing point of the substances |
| Range | \(35\)°\(C\) to \(42\)°\(C\)/ \(94\)°\(F\) to \(108\)°\(F\) | \(10\)°\(C\) to \(110\)°\(C\) |
| Structure | Mercury level does not fall on its own, as there isa kink near the bulb to event the fall of mercurylevel. | Mercury level falls on its own as no kink is present. |
| Working | Temperature can be read after removing the thermometer from the armpit or mouth. | Temperature is read while keeping the thermometerin the source of temperature, e.g. a liquid or anyother thing. |
| Restoration | Jerks are given to lower the mercury level. | No need to jerk to lower the mercury level. |
Reference:
Image credit:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lab_thermometer_2.JPG
