How accurate is mercury thermometer?
Above 100° C mercury thermometers have an accuracy range of ± 1.5° C, while non-mercury have an accuracy limit of ± 3° C.
How does a thermometer work simple explanation?
When the tip of the mercury thermometer touches the material it is measuring, the material conducts heat energy to the mercury. Then the mercury expands as it turns into a liquid and begins to rise up the tube. The place where the mercury stops on the scale is where you can take the reading of the temperature.
How long do you take your temperature with a mercury thermometer?
ORAL TEMPERATURE After shaking the mercury down, place the thermometer under the child's tongue, with the bulb toward the back of the mouth. Tell your child to keep the lips firmly closed, but not to bite the thermometer. 3. Leave the thermometer in place for 3 minutes.
Why does the mercury in a thermometer go up and down?
The way a thermometer works is an example of heating and cooling a liquid. When heated, the molecules of the liquid in the thermometer move faster, causing them to get a little further apart. This results in movement up the thermometer.
Do you have to shake mercury thermometer?
Shaking the thermometer hard is what gets the mercury down and ultimately drives it through the constriction so that it rejoins into a single column. In effect, you are making the glass accelerate so fast that it leaves the mercury behind.
How long should you keep mercury thermometer in mouth?
Use the lips to hold the thermometer tightly in place. Leave the thermometer in the mouth for 3 minutes or until the device beeps.
How does a mercury thermometer work kids?
At the bottom of the tube is a bulb, which holds a liquid such as alcohol or mercury. When there is an increase in heat, the liquid inside the bulb expands, pushing up into the tube. A decrease in heat lets the liquid contract, moving down the tube.
How does the liquid in a thermometer work?
Liquid-in-glass thermometers are based on the principle of thermal expansion of substances. A liquid in a glass tube (called a capillary) expands when heated and contracts when cooled. A calibrated scale can then be used to read off the respective temperature that led to the corresponding thermal expansion.
How long do you hold a mercury thermometer under your tongue?
Place the thermometer tip under the tongue. Hold the thermometer in the same spot for about 40 seconds. Readings will continue to increase and the F (or C) symbol will flash during measurement. Usually, the thermometer will make a beeping noise when the final reading is done (usually about 30 seconds).
What happens if you touch mercury?
MERCURY EXPOSURE If it is swallowed, like from a broken thermometer, it mostly passes through your body and very little is absorbed. If you touch it, a small amount may pass through your skin, but not usually enough to harm you.
What happens if mercury thermometer breaks in mouth?
Spilled mercury from a broken thermometer breaks up into little shiny balls that move around quickly. If it does not contain mercury, the silver substance inside is considered nontoxic and symptoms are not expected if ingested. Other glass thermometers contain a colored liquid that contains alcohol.
How long do you keep a mercury thermometer under your tongue?
Place the thermometer tip under the tongue. Hold the thermometer in the same spot for about 40 seconds. Readings will continue to increase and the F (or C) symbol will flash during measurement. Usually, the thermometer will make a beeping noise when the final reading is done (usually about 30 seconds).
How do you check a mercury thermometer?
0:131:09How To Use A Mercury Thermometer – YouTubeYouTube
How do adults use mercury thermometers?
0:131:09How To Use A Mercury Thermometer – YouTubeYouTube
Is 99.1 a fever in adults?
An adult probably has a fever when the temperature is above 99°F to 99.5°F (37.2°C to 37.5°C), depending on the time of day.
How do you check a fever with a mercury thermometer?
Shake the thermometer so that the mercury inside goes below 36°C (96.8°F). Carefully place the tip of the thermometer under your child's tongue. With your child's mouth closed, leave the thermometer in place for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.
Are mercury thermometers legal?
Those days have passed. Since 2001, 20 states have banned mercury “fever thermometers” for medical use, and regulations tighten every year. Many pharmacies now carry only sterile digital replacements or the less accurate ones with red glop in the bulb.
Why is mercury red in thermometers?
Mercury is a silver-white to gray substance. If your thermometer is filled with a red liquid, your thermometer contains red dyed alcohol or mineral spirits and not mercury. These are safer alternatives to mercury fever thermometers. Are there any special precautions I need to take when bringing in the thermometer?
Why does liquid rise in a thermometer?
1. The liquid in the thermometer goes up when the thermometer is heated because heating makes the alcohol molecules of the liquid move faster. The extra speed of the molecules competes with their attraction for one another and causes them to move slightly further apart.
What is considered a fever under the tongue?
Oral temperature of 100 F (37.8 C) or higher. Armpit temperature of 99 F (37.2 C) or higher.
How do you clean up a broken mercury thermometer?
Slowly and carefully squeeze mercury onto a damp paper towel. Alternatively, use two pieces of cardboard paper to roll the mercury beads onto the paper towel or into the bag. Place the paper towel in a zip locking bag and secure. Make sure to label the bag as directed by your local health or fire department.
Can you get mercury poisoning from broken thermometer?
A broken mercury-containing thermometer can be toxic if the vapors are inhaled. The risk of poisoning from touching or swallowing mercury from a broken thermometer is low if appropriate clean-up measures are taken.
Can mercury thermometers be wrong?
Mercury thermometers cannot be adjusted after calibration. The actual temperature must be calculated by applying corrections to the measured temperature. This takes time and is susceptible to calculation error.
What is normal temperature under tongue?
The average normal oral temperature is 37°C (98.6°F).
How long do you keep a mercury thermometer under the arm?
Place the tip of the thermometer in the centre of the armpit. Make sure your child's arm is tucked snugly against her body. Leave the thermometer in place for at least 4 minutes. Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.
How long do you keep a mercury thermometer in your mouth?
3 minutes Mouth: Place the probe under the tongue and close the mouth. Breathe through the nose. Use the lips to hold the thermometer tightly in place. Leave the thermometer in the mouth for 3 minutes or until the device beeps.
How do I check my temperature with a mercury thermometer?
Shake the thermometer so that the mercury inside goes below 36°C (96.8°F). Carefully place the tip of the thermometer under your child's tongue. With your child's mouth closed, leave the thermometer in place for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.
What is low-grade fever in Covid?
Thus, we report 3 clinical cases of low-grade fever (axillary temperature of 37-38°C) during COVID-19 convalescence, and highlight the main clinical, radiographic, and laboratory characteristics.
Why does my body feel hot but no fever?
It's possible to feel feverish but not have a fever, and there are many possible causes. Certain underlying medical conditions may increase your intolerance to heat, while some medications you take can also be to blame. Other causes may be temporary, such as exercising in the heat.
What is the red liquid in a thermometer called?
How can I tell if my thermometer has mercury? Mercury is a silver-white to gray substance. If your thermometer is filled with a red liquid, your thermometer contains red dyed alcohol or mineral spirits and not mercury. These are safer alternatives to mercury fever thermometers.