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Just look at the rise or drop in the level of the liquid inside (Mercury), which is usually colored red or blue or yellow, it's definitely easy and if it's grey, pay close attention. Look across for the calibrated reading and record in degree Celsius.

More Detail: After taking the person's temperature, hold the thermometer up to a light where you can see the mercury line and the numbers. The higher the temp, the higher the mercury line will go. You will have to turn (rotate) the thermometer until you can clearly see the number and the lines between the numbers, much like on a ruler. The thermometer will have whole numbers, but not all of them have all of the numbers. The point at which you see where the mercury end is what the temperature is.

For example, mine starts at 96, then goes to 98, then 100, etc. There are lines between the numbers 96 and 98, indicating 97, 99, etc., and there are also lines indicating the degree of the temperature in 10ths. If you take a person's temperature, and they have a fever of 99.8, then the end of the mercury line will be two lines below 100 degrees. If they have a fever of 100.5, then the mercury line will be five lines past the number 100. Most thermometers in the U.S. are in Fahrenheit, which will give you a different reading than one that measures the temperature in Celsius, so be sure you know which type you have.

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Why is there a need for us to shake the clinical thermometer prior to each use?

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.


Why do people use alcohol in thermometers instead of water?

Well, honey, alcohol has a lower freezing point than water, so it won't freeze in cold temperatures. Plus, it has a wider temperature range for measurement. And let's be real, nobody wants a broken thermometer just because it got a little chilly outside.


What is the most sour substance on earth?

toxic waste sour candy, the sourest candy in the world. I guess it counts for substance too.


Is there such a thing as a non-toxic substance?

Not really. Even water can be dangerous sometimes (in drinking, not drowning).


How can you remember hg means mercury on the periodic table?

This is kind of a silly answer, but it works. Mercury is Hg. Mercury is toxic, and in a nutshell, mercury poising causes madness. (Think of the mad hatter from Alice and Wonderland - he had mercury poisoning.) Happy gas also makes you be silly. So Hg = Happy gas = silly = mercury.Hope my silly method helps!

Related Questions

What is the most dangerous thermometer if it breaks?

A mercury thermometer is the most dangerous if it breaks because mercury is a toxic substance that can harm human health and the environment. If a mercury thermometer breaks, it is important to follow proper cleanup procedures to avoid exposure to the mercury.


What is the coloured substance used in thermometer?

The colored substance commonly used in a thermometer is typically either dyed alcohol or a non-toxic organic liquid like mercury. These substances expand and contract with changes in temperature, allowing the thermometer to measure temperature variations.


How is mercury used in a thermometer?

toxic poison


Which thermometer is a greater health hazard if it breaks Is it the mercury in glass or alcohol in glass thermometer?

Mercury in glass thermometers pose a greater health hazard if broken, as mercury is a toxic substance that can be harmful if inhaled or ingested. Alcohol in glass thermometers are considered less hazardous as alcohol is not as toxic as mercury. It is still important to clean up any broken thermometer carefully to avoid injury.


Is a Mercury themomiter a themomiter with Mercury in it?

Yes, a Mercury thermometer is a thermometer that contains mercury inside a glass tube. Mercury expands and rises in the tube as it is heated, allowing for temperature measurements. However, due to the toxic nature of mercury, these thermometers are being replaced by safer alternatives.


Is the external bulb of a thermometer also made of mercury?

No, the external bulb of a thermometer is typically made of glass to hold the mercury inside. Mercury is usually contained within the glass bulb to measure temperature accurately without exposing the user to the toxic substance.


What is blue liquid in thermometer?

A thermometer in which the liquid is blue or red probably contains alcohol with a coloring agent added to make it easier to see. If the liquid is silvery and metallic-looking, it's most likely mercury or one of the new less toxic alloys such as Galinstan (gallium, indium, and tin).


Is the silver used inside the thermos toxic?

What looks silver in a glass thermometer is actually mercury, which is toxic.


Why mercury thermometers are not used in schools?

Mercury is a toxic substance that can be harmful if the thermometer breaks and the mercury is released. In schools, there is a risk of accidental breakage and exposure to students and staff. As a result, schools have shifted to using safer alternatives like digital thermometers.


Would you rather use alcohol or Mercury in a thermometer?

Alcohol is a safer choice for a thermometer liquid as it is not as toxic as mercury, making it safer for both human health and the environment. Mercury can be harmful if it leaks or is accidentally ingested, whereas alcohol is less harmful if exposed.


If a thermometer breaks and the mercury goes in your pool is it dangerous?

Yes, it is dangerous if mercury from a broken thermometer enters your pool. Mercury is a toxic substance that can be harmful if ingested or inhaled, and it can contaminate the water in your pool. It is important to contact a professional to safely clean and remove the mercury from the pool.


Why isn't mercury in thermometers any more?

I don't know to what extent mercury is still being used, but it makes sense to phase it out: mercury is extremely toxic. If a mercury thermometer breaks, you have to be careful not to breathe the vapors.I don't know to what extent mercury is still being used, but it makes sense to phase it out: mercury is extremely toxic. If a mercury thermometer breaks, you have to be careful not to breathe the vapors.I don't know to what extent mercury is still being used, but it makes sense to phase it out: mercury is extremely toxic. If a mercury thermometer breaks, you have to be careful not to breathe the vapors.I don't know to what extent mercury is still being used, but it makes sense to phase it out: mercury is extremely toxic. If a mercury thermometer breaks, you have to be careful not to breathe the vapors.