what is a thermometer used for in chemistry

1 year ago 49
Nature

A thermometer is a tool used to measure temperature of solids, liquids, or gases. In chemistry, thermometers are used to measure the temperature of substances and to determine the boiling point and freezing point during science experiments. There are different types of thermometers used in chemistry, including:

  • Liquid-in-Glass Thermometer: This type of thermometer consists of a glass tube containing a liquid, such as mercury or alcohol, that expands or contracts when heated or cooled.

  • Infrared Thermometer: This type of thermometer uses a lens to focus infrared energy onto a detector, which measures the IR intensity and converts that reading to temperature. Infrared thermometers have a wide variety of applications, including measuring the temperature of a human body, automobile engines, swimming pools, hot tubs, or whenever a quick surface temperature is needed.

  • Bimetallic Strip Thermometer: This type of thermometer consists of two metals with different temperature coefficients of expansion that are bonded together. When the temperature rises, the strip bends towards the metal which has a low temperature coefficient. On the contrary, when the temperature goes down, the strip bends towards the metal which has a high temperature coefficient.

  • Thermistor Thermometer: This type of thermometer is an electronic device that measures temperature by using the resistance of a semiconductor material. Its application is best suited for taking temperatures from a distance or measuring it from the surface.

Laboratory thermometers are essential tools used in various scientific and industrial settings to measure temperature accurately. They are designed for lab purposes and are used to check the boiling point, freezing point, and temperature of other substances.