Name: Rachel Section 8-1 # 13

Celsius Thermometer

Objective: To identify the tool associated with the calibrated system used to measure
temperature and to explain its purpose in measurement as it relates to data collection.

To Do #1: Read the following on the history of the thermometer.

History of the Thermometer

The instrument used to measure temperature is a thermometer, a word derived from the Greek
thermos, meaning "hot," and metron, "measure."

Thermometers were simply used in meteorology, in horticulture, and sometimes for indoor use.

The lines on a thermometer indicate that the system is calibrated. It is generally calibrated
according to the best known fixed points on the temperature scale, the melting and boiling point
of pure water.
Anders Celsius should be recognized as the first to perform and publish careful experiments
aiming at the definition of an international temperature scale on scientific grounds. In his
Swedish paper "Observations of two persistent degrees on a thermometer" he reports on
experiments to check that the freezing point is independent of latitude (and also of atmospheric
pressure!). He determined the dependence of the boiling of water with atmospheric pressure (in
excellent agreement with modern data). He further gave a rule for the determination of the
boiling point if the barometric pressure deviates from a certain standard pressure.

Mercury A Health Hazard

http://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/498849/jewish/The-Dangers-of-
Mercury.htm
To Do #2: Using the copy paper provided, reference pages 071 and 072, and the Celsius
thermometer, record the important facts about the Celsius thermometer in bulleted note
style and sketch a detailed image of a Celsius thermometer.

[record on separate sheet of paper]

To Do #3: Explain if the following are examples of precision when collecting data or not
and explain why. Explanations should be typed in bold.
1. Recording a temperature directly after the thermometer is exposed to a new liquid.
This is not a good example of precision because the thermometer needs a couple of
seconds to rise or fall to the correct temperature. If you read it directly after putting it into
a new liquid than you wont get a precise measurement.

2. Submerging the thermometer in the liquid up to the line indicated on the thermometer.
This is an example of precision because you're going up to the line which the
thermometer indicates to.

3. Letting the bulb touch the bottom of the glass container when measuring the temperature of
the liquid in the glass container.
This is not an example of precision because the temperature may vary depending on
where the bulb is at whether its at the bottom, top, or one of the sides.

To Do #4: Complete the following questions in bold.

1. What property does the Celsius thermometer measure and what unit can be identified with
it? A Celsius thermometer measures temperature in degrees celsius.

2. Fill-in: Each calibrated line on the Celsius thermometer is worth 1 degree celsius.

3. What is the maximum number of significant digits you could record when measuring
temperature with the Celsius thermometer? Explain why.
The maximum significant digits you can record using a Celsius thermometer is 4
because it goes up to three digit numbers and then it can measure as little to as 1 degree
celsius and you are allowed to estimate one digit there for you can have up to 4
significant digits.
4. Can you record a measurement of less than 0C and more than 100.0C on the Celsius
thermometer? Explain the minimum and maximum values based on the Celsius thermometer
you are given. Yes it goes up to 150 degrees celsius and it goes at low as negative 20
degrees celsius.

5. Why do you think the alcohol [a clear fluid] is colored in the Celsius thermometer?
I think its colored because its easier to read since it stands out there for you can get
precise measurement.

6. What happens to the clear fluid in the Celsius thermometer when the temperature of a liquid
the thermometer is put in is warmer in temperature? Does the clear fluid expand [rise up] or
contract [fall down]in the tube?
The fluid rises when its put into a warmer temperature.

7. What happens to the clear fluid in the Celsius thermometer when the temperature of a liquid
the thermometer is put in is cooler in temperature? Does the clear fluid expand [rise up] or
contract [fall down]in the tube?
The fluid lowers when it is put into a cooler temperature.

8. Measure and record the current room temperature in C.

25 degree celsius

9. Measure and record your and each other member of your groups hand temperature in C.

Kayla:30 degrees Celsius

Rachel:31 degrees Celsius
Nishi: 29 degrees Celsius
Shashank: 29 degrees Celsius

10. Was there a difference between the temperatures recorded measurements in #9? If yes,
explain why.
Yes there is difference because each one of us has a different body temperature.