Temperature is a measure of how much heat energy something has. Objects can usually be described as either being hot or cold. Hot objects give off more heat energy than they absorb, while cold objects absorb more than they give off. By using our senses, we can detect when something is hot or cold. Our bodies produce a reaction to temperature changes, but for more accurate results we use thermometers.
Throughout history, scientists, engineers and inventors have been developing ways to effectively and accurately measure temperature. From the humble glass thermometer to more technologically advanced electrical devices, there are a wide range of different ways you can measure temperature. The method you should use depends on your specific needs. Here are the most effective ways to measure temperature.
Glass Thermometers
Glass thermometers were one of the first ways to measure temperature along a scale. While many devices could say if the temperature was hot or cold, the first real thermometer with a scale was invented in 1646. These early devices used a mixture of water and alcohol within a sealed glass tube and worked in more or less the same way as the glass thermometers we use today.
When the thermometer is exposed to heat, the liquid inside expands to rise higher up the scale. A reading is taken when the liquid stops expanding, giving an accurate reading of the temperature then. Aside from using water and alcohol, many glass thermometers also use mercury.
While these thermometers are easy to use, they don’t always have a large range. In addition, high temperatures may cause damage, causing the glass to shatter and break. This may cause a hazard, especially when mercury is used as the liquid within the tube.
Electrical Resistance Thermometers
While glass thermometers were the standard for centuries, they’re not the only way to accurately measure temperature. The metal expands when it’s exposed to heat, and its electrical resistance also changes. The higher the temperature, the higher the resistance, meaning electrons struggle to pass freely through the material.
Electrical resistance thermometers use a material called a thermistor to measure temperature. As the thermistor heats up, its resistance increases, and this is measured by a computer within the device. The level of resistance is then used to measure the temperature, giving instant readings in real-time as the level changes.
The big advantage of these thermometers is that they’re fast and highly accurate. If you’re measuring a changing temperature, it’s best to use an electrical resistance thermometer to give you a more accurate reading. They’re also capable of measuring a much higher range of temperatures, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
Infrared Thermometers
When objects heat up, they give off more energy in the form of heat and light. This light isn’t visible to the naked eye but it is measured on the infrared spectrum. Despite being invisible to us, it can be detected by the right equipment. This infrared radiation can be focused using a special type of lens which then transmits the radiation to a detector. The detector is capable of measuring the radiation and giving a precise reading of the surface temperature.
Infrared thermometers are capable of measuring temperature from a distance which is extremely useful in many situations. They’re also able to measure a significantly larger range of temperatures than some other forms of thermometer, making them highly effective. They’re ideal for industrial uses and for providing readings in situations that involve hazards as the person taking the reading doesn’t need to be close.
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