Buzz
Mercury thermometers have been a go-to tool for temperature measurements throughout history. Yet, many are still puzzled about their essence and the optimal choice. Dive into the details in our comprehensive guide!
What Exactly Is a Mercury Thermometer?
The mercury thermometer, born from the mind of physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in Amsterdam, serves the purpose of measuring body temperature, as well as that of air, water, and various solutions, ...
Anatomy of the Device: Unveiling Its 3 Components
Temperature sensor: It consists of a mercury container, which detects heat from the environment being measured. Through the principle of thermal expansion of matter (here mercury), this expansion depends on the different temperatures in the measuring environment. Mercury column: It's a column of mercury that expands upon contact with the environment, thus measuring the temperature of the surroundings. Displaying results: These are numerical marks based on the principle of mercury expansion, where each height corresponds to specific temperature levels.
Principle of operation
The operation of a thermometer relies on the principle of mercury expanding with temperature. Temperature changes cause the mercury column to expand and contract within the tube. It provides instant data on the calibrated temperature scale.
Applications
Mercury thermometers find widespread use across various fields:
– In healthcare: Mercury thermometers are used to measure a patient's body temperature, aiding physicians in promptly assessing the patient's health status for timely treatment.
– Industrial use: Thermometers are utilized in manufacturing sectors to control the temperature of steam boilers, gases, liquids, etc. This ensures higher precision in production processes.
– Culinary field: These devices are employed to regulate cooking temperatures, ensuring the best possible outcome for dishes. Mercury thermometers with alcohol expansion tubes are also used to measure alcohol concentration in spirits...
Overall, its practical applications are diverse and widely embraced for their effectiveness and high accuracy.
Is Mercury in Thermometers Harmful?
Mercury is a silver-white liquid metal, insoluble in water, and relatively easy to vaporize at room temperature.
Mercury is a highly toxic chemical, exposure to which can be harmful to human health. Therefore, users should avoid impact or dropping of thermometers, as mercury can easily vaporize and be inhaled. Inhalation can lead to severe acute lung disease, causing coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. Additionally, it can cause memory loss, seizures, nausea, and even inflammation of the intestines. In cases of significant inhalation, health deteriorates rapidly, potentially leading to acute poisoning, respiratory failure, or worst-case scenario, death.
Reputable Brands
Currently, there are numerous brands offering mercury thermometers on the market. Among them, AURORA, SIKA, and TOKYO are three brands that many users trust. Therefore, when making a purchase, it's advisable to prioritize products from these brands.
Points to Consider When Purchasing
Despite the risk of breakage, the necessity of these thermometers cannot be denied. Hence, they are still widely used in various households and different-sized hospitals.
When buying mercury thermometers, here are some things to note:
- Choose reputable brands.
- Opt for durability.
- Inspect the integrity of the product, avoiding those with cracks, splits, or labeled with stickers.
- Ensure clear temperature markings for easy reading.
