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If the clinical thermometer is a Mercury based thermometer, it needs to be shaken down prior to each use. This is because there is a pinch point between the mercury reservoir bulb and the capillary tube, to ensure that the mercury does not shrink back into the bulb after the temperature has been taken. The mercury has therefore to be shaken back into the bulb before another measurement can be made.

One should note that in many countries use of mercury based clinical thermometers is now discouraged (because mercury is toxic) and electronic thermometers are used in stead - these do not need shaking.

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Q: Why is there a need for us to shake the clinical thermometer prior to each use?
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Why does the clinical thermometer show degree Fahrenheit when India has adopted degree Celsius?

Each and every thermometer has both the scales that is Fahrenheit and Celsius both. Celsius is not specific for India. You can use the scale that you are comfortable with.


What is the difference between a chocolate thermometer and a regular thermometer?

A chocolate thermometer and a regular thermometer differ from each other by its size and sturdiness. The chocolate thermometer are much bigger than the regular thermometer so that it can withstand the extreme heat. The normal thermometer can withstand less heat than the other one.


What are the errors to use a thermometer?

The fixed error on a non-digital thermometer is 0.5oC. The percentage error is worked out by dividing 50 by the reading you have taken from the thermometer.


Do a Clinical thermometer needs a magnet?

No, a clinical thermometer does not need a magnet. You may be thinking of a Maximum/Minimum Thermometer which has a U-tube containing mercury which expands and contracts as the temperature changes. Each arm of the U-tube contains mercury upon the upper surface of which are tiny floats made of steel (which floats on mercury) with tiny springs on their sides so that they grip the tube inside when the mercury does not move them any more. One of the floats records the highest temperature to which it was pushed, and the other indicates the coldest temperature to which it was pushed. So you are able to find out what the actual maximum and minimum temperatures were during the past 24 hours. So why do we need a magnet? It's purpose is to attract the steel floats back to their positions just sitting on top of each mercury column.


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Related questions

Why does the clinical thermometer show degree Fahrenheit when India has adopted degree Celsius?

Each and every thermometer has both the scales that is Fahrenheit and Celsius both. Celsius is not specific for India. You can use the scale that you are comfortable with.


Why clinical thermometer is jerked before using it again?

If you have an old thermometer that has mercury, then the shaking makes all of the mercury flow to the bottom of the thermometer. Then, you can get a better reading. The current digital ones work differently. Thermometers used for taking people temperatures are a special kind that go up with heat but don't go down with cold. So you have to shake a thermometer before taking your temperature to make the reading go down below your own temperature. Then the thermometer can go up again to read your temperature.


What is the difference between a chocolate thermometer and a regular thermometer?

A chocolate thermometer and a regular thermometer differ from each other by its size and sturdiness. The chocolate thermometer are much bigger than the regular thermometer so that it can withstand the extreme heat. The normal thermometer can withstand less heat than the other one.


How many mm are between each number in the celsius scale on a thermometer?

I varies depending upon the size of the thermometer.


What are common mistakes when using a thermometer?

#1: Inserting a rectal thermometer into the mouth #2 Inserting an oral thermometer into the rectum #3 Not thoroughly cleansing the thermometers after each use


How do the men of the Walibri tribe of central Australia greet each other?

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Do they shake hands in India?

Traditionally, people do not shake hands in India. Instead, they bow to each other.


What are the errors to use a thermometer?

The fixed error on a non-digital thermometer is 0.5oC. The percentage error is worked out by dividing 50 by the reading you have taken from the thermometer.


What is the percent error of 42 degrees Fahrenheit?

This error depends on the type of your thermometer; each thermometer has a specific error in-scripted on the tube or label.


How do you reset a maximum and minimum thermometer with magnet?

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Do a Clinical thermometer needs a magnet?

No, a clinical thermometer does not need a magnet. You may be thinking of a Maximum/Minimum Thermometer which has a U-tube containing mercury which expands and contracts as the temperature changes. Each arm of the U-tube contains mercury upon the upper surface of which are tiny floats made of steel (which floats on mercury) with tiny springs on their sides so that they grip the tube inside when the mercury does not move them any more. One of the floats records the highest temperature to which it was pushed, and the other indicates the coldest temperature to which it was pushed. So you are able to find out what the actual maximum and minimum temperatures were during the past 24 hours. So why do we need a magnet? It's purpose is to attract the steel floats back to their positions just sitting on top of each mercury column.


How should thermometer be maintained?

Many digital and infrared thermometers are self-calibrating.mercury thermometers should be shaken down prior to every use and left in place for at least three minutes. They require careful storage.and thorough cleaning after each use.