Very Short Question Answers:

Temperature and its Measurement

Q1: What does temperature measure?

Ans: Temperature measures how hot or cold an object is.

Q2: What device is used to measure temperature?

Ans: A thermometer is used to measure temperature.

Q3: Name one type of thermometer.

Ans: Clinical thermometer.

Q4: What scale is commonly used for body temperature?

Ans: Celsius scale. Q5: What is the unit for temperature in the Kelvin Scale?

Ans: Kelvin (K).

Q6: What liquid is often used in laboratory thermometers?

Ans: Alcohol or mercury.

Q7: Can our sense of touch always accurately determine temperature?

Ans: No, our sense of touch can be misleading.

Q8: What happens to air temperature in summer?

Ans: Air temperature generally increases.

Q9: What does a higher temperature indicate?

Ans: It indicates a hotter object.

Q10: What is the formula to convert Celsius to Kelvin?

Ans: K = °C + 273.15.

Q11: How do digital thermometers display temperature?

Ans: They display temperature on a digital screen.

Q12: What is a common issue with mercury thermometers?

Ans: They contain toxic mercury.

 Q13: What temperature measurement is commonly used in the U.S.?

Ans: Fahrenheit scale. Q14: What indicates a fever in terms of body

temperature?

Ans: A body temperature above 37.5 °C.

Q15: Are temperatures the same every day?

Ans: No, they vary daily.

Q16: What is the risk of a broken mercury thermometer?

Ans: Mercury exposure is toxic.

Q17: What color is alcohol in a thermometer?

Ans: Often red for visibility.

Q18: Where are thermometers commonly used?

Ans: In schools, clinics, and hospitals.

Q19: What does the Celsius scale measure?

Ans: It measures temperature in degrees Celsius (°C).

Q20: What can affect body temperature variations?

Ans: Age, activity level, and time of day.

Short Answer Questions

Q1. What is the role of a thermometer?

Ans: A thermometer is a device used to measure temperature accurately,

whether it is for a human body, liquid, or surrounding environment. It helps
determine how hot or cold something is by detecting changes in temperature and
displaying the result in units like Celsius or Fahrenheit.

Q2. How do digital clinical thermometers differ from mercury thermometers?

Ans: Digital clinical thermometers are more advanced and user-friendly

compared to mercury thermometers. They provide faster readings, are easier to
read with a digital display, and do not contain toxic mercury, making them safer.
Mercury thermometers, on the other hand, use liquid mercury to measure
temperature but can be hazardous if broken.
 Q3. What does the Celsius scale measure?

Ans: The Celsius scale is a standard unit for measuring temperature,

commonly used in scientific and daily applications. It is based on the freezing
point of water at 0°C and the boiling point at 100°C under normal atmospheric
conditions. This scale is widely used in most countries for weather forecasts,
cooking, and scientific research.

Q4. Why should the thermometer’s tip be washed before use?

Ans: The tip of a thermometer should always be washed before and after use to
maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of germs or infections. Cleaning ensures
that no residual bacteria or contaminants interfere with accurate temperature
readings, making the thermometer safe for multiple users.

Q5. How is a clinical thermometer used to measure body temperature?

Ans: A clinical thermometer is placed under the tongue, in the armpit, or rectally
for infants. If it is digital, the device beeps or flashes when the reading is ready. In
mercury thermometers, the temperature must be read from the mercury level. The
reading should be noted carefully before cleaning and storing the thermometer.

Q6. Why can’t a clinical thermometer measure extremely high or low temperatures?

Ans: Clinical thermometers are specifically designed to measure human body

temperature within a limited range, usually between 35°C to 42°C. They cannot
measure extremely high or low temperatures outside this range because they are
not calibrated for industrial, environmental, or scientific purposes, which require
specialized thermometers with broader measurement capabilities.

Q7. What is the normal body temperature of a healthy human?

Ans: The normal body temperature of a healthy human is around 37°C (98.6°F).
However, this value may slightly vary from person to person and can fluctuate
depending on physical activity, time of day, or environmental factors. A temperature
higher than 38°C may indicate fever, while a temperature lower than 35°C suggests
hypothermia.

Q8. What is the purpose of the Fahrenheit scale?

Ans: The Fahrenheit scale is a temperature measurement system commonly used

in the United States and a few other countries. It sets the freezing point of water at
32°F and the boiling point at 212°F under standard atmospheric conditions. This
 scale is often used in weather reports, household thermometers, and some
medical applications.

Q9. Why should laboratory thermometers be handled with care?

Ans: Laboratory thermometers are delicate instruments made of glass and contain
either mercury or alcohol-based liquids. If broken, they can cause injury or
contamination. Additionally, improper handling can affect their accuracy. To
prevent accidents, they should be stored securely, used with caution, and cleaned
properly after each use.

Q10. What are the main differences between the Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin
scales?

Ans: The Celsius scale measures temperature based on the freezing and boiling
points of water, the Fahrenheit scale is primarily used in the U.S., and the Kelvin
scale is used in scientific studies, starting at absolute zero.
Long Answer Questions

Q1. Explain the process of using a digital clinical thermometer to measure body
temperature.

Ans: To measure body temperature using a digital clinical thermometer, first wash
the thermometer’s tip with soap and water. Reset the thermometer by pressing the
reset button. Place the thermometer under the tongue and close the mouth. Wait
until the thermometer beeps or flashes a light, indicating that the temperature is
ready. After taking the temperature, remove the thermometer and read the display.
Clean the thermometer tip again before storing it safely.

Q2. Describe the working principle of a laboratory thermometer and how it is

used.

Ans: A laboratory thermometer consists of a glass tube with a bulb at one end,
filled with a liquid like mercury or alcohol. As the temperature changes, the liquid
expands or contracts, moving along the scale. To use it, immerse the
thermometer in the substance being measured, ensuring the bulb doesn’t touch
the sides of the container. Hold the thermometer vertically and read the
temperature where the liquid column meets the scale.

Q3. Discuss the importance of the Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin scales in
temperature measurement

. Ans: The Celsius scale is widely used around the world for measuring everyday
temperatures, including the freezing and boiling points of water. The Fahrenheit
scale is primarily used in the United States for weather and medical temperature
measurement. The Kelvin scale, which starts at absolute zero, is crucial in scientific
studies where precise temperature control is needed, particularly in physics and
chemistry.

Q4. How do environmental factors influence the temperature readings of a

thermometer?

Ans: Environmental factors such as humidity, air pressure, and altitude can
influence temperature readings. For example, the temperature of a body may vary
slightly based on the time of day, weather conditions, and the individual’s activity
level. Higher altitudes may also lead to slight differences in body temperature
readings due to the change in air pressure.