answersLogoWhite

0

The idea is based avoiding use of the thermometer when it is reading "higher" than what it is that is being measured. Let's look at what's happening. If we wash a clinical thermometer in hot water, it will respond to that hot water. That will cause the reading to shoot up well above a hundred degrees. If we then try to use it, it will have to "cool down" under the tongue of the person we're using it on. It is actually being cooled by that person. The thermometer will take a relatively long time to reach the temperature of the individual whose temperature is being measured. And this time will vary, but will be longer than it would be for the thermometer to "come up" to temperature. One of the directions for using these thermometers is to first shake it down until it reads less than 95 degrees or so. If you're starting with a thermometer than has just been washed in hot water, you're not going to be able to shake it down per the directions. You'll have to run it under cool water for a bit to cool it so you can use it.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Chemistry

What happens when you put a clinical thermometer into boiling water?

A clinical thermometer is designed to measure body temperature accurately, not high-temperature environments like boiling water. Putting a clinical thermometer into boiling water can damage the thermometer, resulting in inaccurate readings and potentially posing a safety risk. It's best to use thermometers specifically designed for measuring high temperatures in such situations.


You are trying to calibrate a celsius thermometer. when you place the thermometer into a beaker of boiling water what should the thermometer read?

The thermometer should read 100 degrees Celsius when placed in boiling water at standard atmospheric pressure.


Why does bulb of a clinical thermometer break when placed in very hot water?

The bulb of a clinical thermometer breaks when placed in very hot water because the sudden increase in temperature causes the air inside the bulb to expand rapidly. This rapid expansion of air creates pressure within the bulb, leading to its breakage.


Where a thermometer should be kept in determining melting point of ice?

A thermometer should be immersed in the ice water mixture in order to accurately determine the melting point of ice. This ensures that the thermometer is in direct contact with the substance being measured and will provide a precise reading of when the ice starts to melt.


If i use a thermometer what will be the temperature in the plastic cup with hot water?

That depends on how hot the water is in the cup. Use the thermometer to measure it and see.

Related Questions

Can we use a clinical thermometer to measure the temperature of boiling water?

No.


Why should a clinical thermometer not be sterilize in boiling water?

Because clinical thermometer have a very small range. (20 to 45 degrees Celsius at most) and if placed in boiling water, the water being 100 degrees will cause damage to the thermometer.


How should cotton be washed?

cotton should be washed with cold water


What happens when you put a clinical thermometer into boiling water?

A clinical thermometer is designed to measure body temperature accurately, not high-temperature environments like boiling water. Putting a clinical thermometer into boiling water can damage the thermometer, resulting in inaccurate readings and potentially posing a safety risk. It's best to use thermometers specifically designed for measuring high temperatures in such situations.


Difference between laboratory and clinical thermometer?

A laboratory thermometer is used to measure temperature with high precision in controlled environments, such as in research labs. Clinical thermometers are designed to measure body temperature for medical purposes, typically with less precision but greater convenience for home use.


Why a clinical thermometer crack in hot water?

A clinical thermometer may crack in hot water due to rapid expansion of the glass material when exposed to extreme temperatures. The sudden change in temperature causes stress on the glass, leading to cracks or breakage. Additionally, if the thermometer is not designed to withstand high temperatures, it may not be able to handle the heat and crack.


You are trying to calibrate a celsius thermometer. when you place the thermometer into a beaker of boiling water what should the thermometer read?

The thermometer should read 100 degrees Celsius when placed in boiling water at standard atmospheric pressure.


Why a clinical thermometer breaks when it is used to measure the temperature of boiling water?

Boiling is way far outside its operating range.


Why does bulb of a clinical thermometer break when placed in very hot water?

The bulb of a clinical thermometer breaks when placed in very hot water because the sudden increase in temperature causes the air inside the bulb to expand rapidly. This rapid expansion of air creates pressure within the bulb, leading to its breakage.


Why clinical thermometers are used to measure the temperature of boiling water?

Clinical thermometers are not used to measure the temperature of boiling water! They have a range of about 35oC to 43oC and they will explode at a temperature of about 100oC! Ordinary laboratory thermometers are used.


Why care must be taken when disposing of a mercury-in-glass thermometer?

Well i'm not that old but i know a few:1)The thermometer will be of two types; a) Clinical Thermometer b) Laboratory Thermometer;a) The Clinical Thermometer: used to measure the temperature of the human body, at home, clinics and hospitals.b) The Laboratory Thermometer: used to measure the temperature in school and other laboratories for scientific research.Precautions:Wash the thermometer before and after use with an antiseptic solution, and handle it with care.See that the mercury levels are below the kink and don't hold the thermometer near its bulb.While noting down the reading in the thermometer, place the mercury level along the eye sight.Do not place the Clinical thermometer in a hot flame or in the hot sun.Note:The Clinical Thermometer should go above 108*F (42*C) and below 94*F (35*C) otherwise it might blow off the top and leak. Therefore, a Clinical Thermometer is used to measure the body temperature.


How should vegetables be washed?

Rinse them with water and you're good!