Buzz
What is a Thermometer?
Thermometer is derived from the Greek words for temperature and measure. It's a device used to measure temperature in various environments or living organisms, such as humans,...
With different operating principles depending on the type like alcohol thermometers, infrared thermometers, electronic thermometers,... The most common type in the market is the mercury thermometer.
Although there are numerous types, the basic structure of a thermometer typically consists of 2 main components: the display for showing measurement results and the temperature sensor used for temperature measurement.
The Utility of Thermometers
We're all aware of the primary function of thermometers, which is to measure temperature. Moreover, they also serve various purposes in human life, from households to healthcare institutions, and industries such as:
- Measuring the temperature of devices to calculate their technical specifications.
- Checking the operation status of machinery in factories and plants.
- Determining the temperature in the air as well as indoors to provide suitable temperature conditions for users.
- Inspecting food quality.
- Detecting moisture and leaks at large construction sites under construction or completed.
- Used in laboratories, storage rooms, and experiments requiring temperature parameters.
- Checking body temperature used in healthcare facilities.
The above are just some prominent functions of this tool. And there are many other benefits it brings to our lives. So, choose the appropriate type of thermometer for your purpose to achieve the most accurate results. If you have a young member in your family, this is definitely a necessary medical device you must have.
Common Types of Thermometers
Currently, there are 3 common types of thermometers used in the market. Let's explore the functions of each type right below with Mytour!
Mercury Thermometer
Regarded as the most familiar type of thermometer and found in the majority of Vietnamese households. It operates based on the principle of expansion when mercury encounters rising temperatures to measure body temperature.
Invented long ago but still widely used today. It consists of 3 parts: a temperature sensor, capillary tube, and a display for showing measurement results.
Electronic Thermometer
Operates based on advanced infrared radiation heat sensing, used for measuring body temperature. Presently, this type of device is recommended by experts due to its extremely high accuracy and rapid display of results.
It also consists of 3 parts: a thermal sensor, an LCD for displaying results, and a power button. Its usage is similar to a mercury thermometer but offers superior benefits, making it favored by everyone.
Mercury-containing devices cause users to fear the potential toxicity if broken. Electronic thermometers overcome this inconvenience, providing results in just 7 seconds, making them convenient and suitable for all environments.
Infrared Thermometer
Considered the highest-grade type among commonly used models today, infrared thermometers allow us to measure temperature without touching the object or person being measured. They operate based on the principle of measuring the infrared radiation emitted by body heat into the air.
With a simple design similar to electronic thermometers but with the integration of a heat sensing sensor to detect body heat wavelengths. This sensor can detect objects with temperatures above -273°C, making it possible to measure most necessary objects, including humans.
However, quality comes with a high price tag. Additionally, environmental factors such as fans and air conditioning can also affect the measurement results.
Tips for Choosing a Thermometer
Each type of thermometer has different functions depending on the user's needs. Here's how to choose and the standards to follow when using:
For
mercury thermometers, pay attention to factors such as:
- High durability.
- Before purchasing, carefully inspect the product to avoid buying poor quality or broken types.
- Ensure the temperature scale is clear and visible, as this helps us know our own body temperature.
Mercury thermometers are favored for their high durability.As for
electronic and infrared thermometers, the buying process may be slightly more complex. We need to consider:
- Measurement accuracy. If possible, perform a few test measurements to determine this factor. Typically, the margin of error ranges from only 0.2 to 0.3°C.
- Memory capacity. Depending on the price, the memory capacity may be large or small. Consider your purpose and choose a suitable type.
- An easy-to-read display for measurement results.
- Battery life.
- Warranty policy and accompanying amenities.
So, Mytour has provided you with valuable information about thermometers, right? This is an essential tool for family health care. Hopefully, through this article, you can choose the right device for your needs.
