Ehow how does a digital thermometer work

Accurate measurements are vital in ensuring the success of these processes. There are many applications that are not-so-obvious, which use temperature sensors.

Melting chocolate, using a blast furnace, controlling a hot air balloon, freezing substances in a lab, running a motor vehicle, and firing a kiln. Temperature sensors come in different forms, which are used for different methods of temperature management. There are two categories of temperature sensors which are contact and non-contact. Contact sensors are used mainly in hazardous areas.

The below are contact temperature sensors:. The metal can be made of different materials including platinum, nickel, or copper. However, platinum is the most accurate and therefore carries a higher cost.

The Thermocouple is a sensor made up of two wires with two different metals connected at two points. The voltage between the two wires reflects the change in temperature. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow.

Download Article Explore this Article methods. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Method 1. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Use a digital thermometer in most cases.

Digital thermometers are accurate and easy to use. They can be used to take a temperature rectally in the anus , in the armpit an axillary measurement , or orally in the mouth. Minimize contact with a temporal scanner. However, factors including humidity and perspiration can alter the readings. Tympanic thermometers measure temperature in the ear canal. National Institutes of Health Go to source If this is the only thermometer you have, you can use it, but a digital thermometer is generally a better choice.

Avoid using a tympanic thermometer in a child under 3 months of age, as their ear canal may be too small to insert the probe into correctly. Steer clear of pacifier thermometers and thermometer strips. Avoid using mercury thermometers. The glass can break, exposing you to mercury, which is poisonous. Method 2. Take rectal temperatures for the most accurate readings in small children.

Have a healthcare provider show you how to take a rectal temperature properly before trying it at home. Cover the tip of a sanitized digital thermometer in petroleum jelly. Position your baby on their back and bend their knees, then gently insert the silver tip of the thermometer 1 inch 2.

Hold the thermometer in place with your fingers until it beeps usually about 1 minute. At that point, you can remove the thermometer and check the temperature reading. Measure temperature orally for an easy option. Wash the probe of a digital thermometer with cool soapy water first. Then, place the tip of the thermometer under your tongue toward the back of your mouth. Hold it in place until the thermometer beeps while breathing through your nose. Remove it and read the temperature, then clean the thermometer again.

Wait 15 minutes after drinking or eating to take a temperature orally for the most accurate reading. Try an axillary reading only for screening. Taking your temperature in your armpit provides a less accurate reading than other locations, though it is the most convenient option.

Before you start, make sure the armpit is dry. Place the tip of the thermometer into the middle of the armpit, directly against the skin, and hold your arm close to your side.

Wait until the thermometer beeps to check the reading. Check your temperature using a temporal scanner if you have one. First, make sure your forehead is clean, dry, and not blocked by your hair or anything else. To understand how a meat thermometer works, it's important to have a basic understanding of thermometers in general. A thermometer measures heat. With two important elements, the sensor and the reader, a thermometer can measure a physical change in temperature and convert that change into a value that is easily understood.

There are many kinds of thermometers, including bulb thermometers, electronic thermometers and bimetallic thermometers. Meat thermometers are bimetallic thermometers. A meat thermometer is used to measure the internal temperature of cooking meats. From poultry and lamb to pork and beef, meat must reach a certain internal temperature in order to kill any pathogens that may be living inside. These pathogens can cause food borne illnesses if ingested.

The meat thermometer is designed to display temperatures ranging from degrees F to around degrees F.