Do alcohol and mercury thermometers read the same? Mercury has a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than alcohol . This means a column of mercury will expand and rise more than a column of alcohol for the same temperature change. As a result, you can get finer readings with mercury. However, clinical mercury thermometers are on the decline.
Can we use alcohol instead of mercury in thermometers?
The alcohol thermometer or spirit thermometer is an alternative to the mercury-in-glass thermometer and has similar functions. Unlike the mercury-in-glass thermometer, the contents of an alcohol thermometer are less toxic and will evaporate quickly.
Why are mercury thermometers better than alcohol thermometers?
It is more durable than alcohol thermometer because mercury does not evaporate easily . It is smaller in size as compared to alcohol one. Mercury does not wet the wall of the thermometer, which means that results can be highly accurate.
How accurate are alcohol thermometers?
Do mercury thermometers show wrong reading?
Both laboratory and clinical studies show that there is no significant difference in the average accuracy of the two types of thermometers , however there is a greater fluctuation of readings of temperature when using electronic thermometers.
Which is more accurate mercury or alcohol thermometer?
Mercury has a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than alcohol . This means a column of mercury will expand and rise more than a column of alcohol for the same temperature change. As a result, you can get finer readings with mercury.
Why don’t we use alcohol in clinical thermometer?
Alcohol is not used in a clinical thermometer. It cannot measure the high temperatures because of its low boiling point . Mercury is used in a clinical thermometer. Alcohol is used in a laboratory thermometer instead of a clinical thermometer.
What are the disadvantages of using alcohol in a thermometer?
| advantages disadvantages | Alcohol thermometer (compared to a mercury thermometer) | lower freezing point (-114 C) less durable (alcohol evaporates) | larger coefficient of expansion alcohol can polymerise | less hazardous fluid loss by evaporation hard to avoid |
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Why alcohol is used instead of mercury?
Alcohol is not used in clinical thermometer: i) It cannot measure the high temperatures because of its low boiling point .
Are oral mercury thermometers still available?
Mercury Thermometers Are Going Extinct .
When did they stop making mercury thermometers?
Phase-out. As of 2012 , many mercury-in-glass thermometers are used in meteorology; however, they are becoming increasingly rare for other uses, as many countries banned them for medical use due to the toxicity of mercury.
Why does my digital thermometer give me different readings?
Differences between measurements can also result from the following factors: The thermometer is not the same temperature as the room you are measuring in (Example: it has been in a much warmer or colder room). The thermometer is inserted into the ear canal at a different depth or angle.
Which type of thermometer is the most accurate?
Digital thermometers are the most accurate way to measure body temperature. There are many types, including oral, rectal, and forehead, plus many that are multifunctional. Once you decide on the type of thermometer you want, you can think about design, extra features, and price.
What is a low grade fever?
Most healthcare providers consider a fever to be 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. A person with a temperature of 99.6°F to 100.3°F has a low-grade fever. High fevers may bring on seizures or confusion in children. It’s not how high the temperature is but how fast the temperature goes up that causes a seizure.
How do I know if my thermometer is wrong?
- Fill a tall glass with ice and add cold water.
- Place and hold the thermometer in the ice water for 30 seconds without touching the sides or bottom of the glass. ...
- If the thermometer reads 32°F, it is reading correctly and can be used.
Why is mercury and alcohol used in thermometer instead of water?
The main reason mercury is used in thermometers is because it has a higher coefficient of expansion than water . This means that changes in its volume with temperature are more noticeable.
Is alcohol preferred in high temperature thermometer?
Alcohol is preferred in high temperature thermometers because: For measuring very low temperature alcohol thermometer is suitable due to alcohol freezes at -117oC. Alcohol thermometer is used in cold climate.
Why should you take alcohol thermometer instead of mercury thermometer in mountain regions?
Alcohol thermometer is preferred for a very cold region because its freezing point of alcohol is – 117°C . So, it can measure the temperature of the very cold region.
Why is a mercury thermometer more accurate?
What states have banned mercury thermometers?
As a result, a number of states have banned or limited the sale of mercury thermometers, including California, Oregon, Rhode Island, Maine, Maryland, Indiana, Minnesota, and New Hampshire .
Are old thermometers accurate?
Temperature measurements in the late 1800s were accurate to one- or two-tenths of a degree Fahrenheit . However, readings from those thermometers had to be obtained manually, whereas digital readouts from today’s electronic thermometers are continuously available and can be remoted.
How can you tell a fever in an adult with a mercury thermometer?
Why was mercury thermometer banned?
The reason: Mercury released into the environment from a broken thermometer is highly poisonous . Pure mercury and its compounds can cause neurological problems and other ailments in people exposed to them.
What replaced mercury in thermometers?
There are several types of non-mercury-containing thermometers, including both liquid-in-glass and electronic digital thermometers . An example of an electronic digital thermometer is the platinum resistance thermometer. Others include the thermistor and the thermocouple.
How do you calibrate mercury in a glass thermometer?
Place the stem of the thermometer in the boiling water. Again, make sure that it’s submerged at least 2 inches and wait at least 30 seconds. Your thermometer should read 212°F or 100°C. If it doesn’t, keeping the thermometer in the water, turn the adjusting knob until the needle reaches the 212°F mark.
Do you add a degree when taking temp under tongue?
Should I add a degree to oral (under the tongue) and axillary (under the arm) readings? Yes, for the most accuracy . Rectal temperatures are considered most accurate indication of the body’s temperature. Oral and axillary temperature readings are about 1⁄2° to 1°F (.
What is the most accurate thermometer for adults?
Best Overall: Kinsa Smart Thermometer
The Kinsa Smart Thermometer was our favorite overall pick and received no less than a five across some of the most important attributes: response time, ease of use, data readability, and durability, making it the best overall.
How long should you wait to take temperature after drinking?
Before taking your temperature, wait at least 15 minutes after eating or drinking. Clean your thermometer before and after you use it with either rubbing alcohol or lukewarm soapy water, then rinse with cool water. Wipe it dry with a clean cloth or let it air dry. 1.
Which thermometer is best mercury or digital?
Can a smartphone be used as a thermometer?
Smart Thermometer
This app uses the temperature sensors of a smartphone to show the temperature on the phone. Smart Thermometer app also offers an upgrade package that adds charts with historical data of the smartphone along with the phone’s readings and better widgets.
Where is most accurate place to take a temperature?
Rectal temps are the most accurate. Forehead temps are the next most accurate. Oral and ear temps are also accurate if done properly. Temps done in the armpit are the least accurate.
Is 99.7 a fever for Covid?
What does a Covid sore throat feel like?
A sore throat could range from feelings of scratchiness to severe pain . Some people say a COVID sore throat feels like allergies. Others say it is like having strep throat.
What is low-grade fever in Covid?
Thus, we report 3 clinical cases of low-grade fever ( axillary temperature of 37-38°C ) during COVID-19 convalescence, and highlight the main clinical, radiographic, and laboratory characteristics.
What is used instead of mercury in thermometers?
Galinstan is used as a substitute for mercury in thermometers. Galinstan is a brand name and generic name for a liquid metal alloy made of a family of eutectic alloys consisting primarily of gallium, indium and tin.
Why is mercury and alcohol used in thermometer instead of water?
The main reason mercury is used in thermometers is because it has a higher coefficient of expansion than water . This means that changes in its volume with temperature are more noticeable.
