Which device is commonly used to measure temperature?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
Thermometer
Explanation
A thermometer is a device used to measure temperature or a temperature gradient. It typically consists of a narrow, sealed glass tube containing a liquid, such as alcohol or mercury, which expands or contracts as the temperature changes, allowing for a precise reading against a calibrated scale. Modern digital thermometers use electronic sensors to measure temperature quickly and accurately.
Key Points
Thermometers are essential in various fields, including medicine for checking body temperature, meteorology for monitoring weather, and industrial processes. Other devices mentioned serve different purposes: a barometer measures atmospheric pressure, a speedometer measures the speed of a vehicle, and an altimeter measures altitude above a fixed level, such as sea level.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Which substance was historically used in thermometers due to its consistent thermal expansion?
Answer: Mercury.
Question: What does a barometer measure?
Answer: Atmospheric pressure.