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It does not by itself. It must be shaken down.

The liquid is Mercury, which is very heat-expansive, i.e. it changes its volume noticeably and quickly depending on its temperature. The warmer, the larger the volume. That's why it's used in thermometers. However, thermometers are built so that the mercury does not go down by itself to enable taking precise readings (otherwise, it would fall quickly immediately after the thermometer is removed from the body). So, the thermometer must cool and the contracted but vacuum-stuck mercury must then be shaken down to take another measurement.

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Why does the liquid in a thermometer move?

It doesn't 'move' exactly, it expands. Originally mercury (a metal in a liquid state at room temperature) was used in thermometers; as the the temperature increases the mercury (or other liquid) expands, taking up more of the volume within the thermometer, causing the level to rise. Thermometers are calibrated to allow the temperature to be measured based on how much expansion has taken place.


Why is it important to shake down the thermometer?

Shaking down the thermometer ensures that the mercury or alcohol inside is at the bottom of the tube before use, providing an accurate starting point for temperature measurement. This helps prevent incorrect readings and ensures that the measurement is taken from the base of the liquid column.


How does a mercury thermometer measures temperature?

A mercury thermometer measures temperature based on the expansion or contraction of the liquid mercury inside the narrow tube. As temperature rises, the mercury expands and travels up the tube, indicating a higher temperature, and vice versa. The temperature reading is taken at the point where the mercury level stabilizes.


What precautions should be taken while using a laboratory thermometer?

Precautions need to be taken while using clinical thermometer are: _ Wash the thermometer after and before using it._* _ Make sure the temperature of the thermometer is below 35 C before taking the temperature._* _ Keep the thermometer straight in the order to see the Mercury level precisely._*


Why lab thermometer do not have kink?

the temparature of the liquid must be read while the thermometer is in the liquid.since the level of mercury drops as soon as the thermometer is taken out of the liquid ,therefore no need of the kink in thermometer.

Related Questions

Why does the liquid in a thermometer move?

It doesn't 'move' exactly, it expands. Originally mercury (a metal in a liquid state at room temperature) was used in thermometers; as the the temperature increases the mercury (or other liquid) expands, taking up more of the volume within the thermometer, causing the level to rise. Thermometers are calibrated to allow the temperature to be measured based on how much expansion has taken place.


What is the meniscus of a thermometer?

The meniscus of a thermometer is the curve seen at the surface of a liquid in the thermometer tube. It is caused by surface tension and capillary action, and the measurement of temperature is taken at the lowest point of the meniscus. Reading the temperature correctly involves ensuring that the eye is at the same level as the meniscus.


Why is it important to shake down the thermometer?

Shaking down the thermometer ensures that the mercury or alcohol inside is at the bottom of the tube before use, providing an accurate starting point for temperature measurement. This helps prevent incorrect readings and ensures that the measurement is taken from the base of the liquid column.


How does a mercury thermometer measures temperature?

A mercury thermometer measures temperature based on the expansion or contraction of the liquid mercury inside the narrow tube. As temperature rises, the mercury expands and travels up the tube, indicating a higher temperature, and vice versa. The temperature reading is taken at the point where the mercury level stabilizes.


What precautions should be taken while using a laboratory thermometer?

Precautions need to be taken while using clinical thermometer are: _ Wash the thermometer after and before using it._* _ Make sure the temperature of the thermometer is below 35 C before taking the temperature._* _ Keep the thermometer straight in the order to see the Mercury level precisely._*


Why lab thermometer do not have kink?

the temparature of the liquid must be read while the thermometer is in the liquid.since the level of mercury drops as soon as the thermometer is taken out of the liquid ,therefore no need of the kink in thermometer.


How should the temperature of a unconscious person be taken?

The temperature of an unconscious person should be taken using a rectal thermometer, as it provides the most accurate core body temperature. Ensure the thermometer is clean and properly lubricated before insertion. Insert it gently about an inch into the rectum and wait for the reading according to the device's instructions. If a rectal thermometer is unavailable, an oral or axillary (underarm) measurement can be taken, but these methods are less reliable.


What are the precautions to be taken while reading temperature with clinical thermometer?

Check the cleanliness of the thermometer before and after each use to prevent infections. Ensure the thermometer is placed correctly under the tongue, in the armpit, or in the rectum as instructed by the manufacturer for accurate readings. Wait for the recommended time before reading the temperature to ensure an accurate measurement, and handle the thermometer carefully to prevent breakage.


Why is a clinical thermometer usually shaken after use?

Well, a clinical thermometer is shook after use so that the mercury comes back to its initial point i.e. where it had been before the temperature was taken.


Explain how a liquid thermometer measures temperature?

OK basically depending on what thermometer. the glass tube is filled with either alcohol or Mercury. and when it gets hotter, the liquid expands and takes up more space inside the tube. and colder.......the liquid compacts and moves down the tube.....and it's taken years to calabrate the markings on the tube to show the correct reading.


Why thermometer be left in place for three minutes before taking a reading?

A thermometer should be left in place for three minutes to ensure an accurate reading of the temperature. This duration allows the thermometer to equilibrate with the body temperature, minimizing any discrepancies caused by external factors or the time taken for the thermometer to stabilize. Additionally, it ensures that the reading reflects the true temperature of the body rather than just the surface or ambient temperature.


How is temperature taken through an oral placement?

The procedure for taking a patient's temperature by mouth with a mercury thermometer is similar to the axillary method except that the silver tip of the thermometer is placed beneath the tongue for four to five minutes before being read.