Hoshi's rule before any exam: "Read the chapter once, then answer every question type you might face." This post covers every important question from Temperature and Its Measurement — fill in the blanks, 1-mark, 2-mark, 3-mark, true/false, and MCQs. Work through these before your test and you're ready.
📌 How to use this page: Read each question first and try to answer it yourself. Then reveal the answer. This active recall method is much more effective than just reading.
Q: What is temperature?
A: Temperature is the measure of the degree of hotness or coldness of an object or substance.
Q: Name the instrument used to measure temperature.
A: A thermometer is used to measure temperature.
Q: What is the unit of temperature?
A: Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit (°F).
Q: Which thermometer is used to measure human body temperature?
A: A clinical thermometer is used to measure human body temperature.
Q: What is the use of a kink in a clinical thermometer?
A: The kink prevents mercury from flowing back into the bulb after the thermometer is removed from the patient's mouth, keeping the reading stable.
Q: What is the normal temperature of the human body? What does it mean if the temperature is above this?
A: The normal temperature of the human body is 37°C or 98.6°F. If the body temperature rises above 37°C — typically to 38°C or higher — it is called fever. Fever usually means the body is fighting an infection.
Q: State two differences between a clinical and a laboratory thermometer.
A: 1. A clinical thermometer has a range of 35°C to 42°C, while a laboratory thermometer has a range of −10°C to 110°C.
2. A clinical thermometer has a kink that prevents mercury from falling back. A laboratory thermometer has no kink, so it must be read while still in the substance.
Q: What is the difference between heat and temperature?
A: Heat is a form of energy that flows from a hotter body to a cooler one. Temperature is the measure of the degree of hotness or coldness of a body. Heat is measured in Joules; temperature is measured in degrees Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F).
Q: Why should a thermometer not be washed with hot water?
A: A thermometer should not be washed with hot water because the hot water would heat the mercury and cause it to expand rapidly, which could break the glass tube. Always wash a thermometer with cold water.
Q: Differentiate between a clinical thermometer and a laboratory thermometer on the basis of: (a) use, (b) range, (c) presence of a kink.
A:
(a) Use: A clinical thermometer is used to measure the temperature of the human body. A laboratory thermometer is used to measure temperature in science experiments.
(b) Range: A clinical thermometer has a range of 35°C to 42°C. A laboratory thermometer has a range of −10°C to 110°C.
(c) Kink: A clinical thermometer has a kink just above the bulb that prevents mercury from falling back after removal. A laboratory thermometer has no kink, so it must be read while still in the substance.
Q: Write the steps for correctly using a clinical thermometer to measure a patient's temperature.
A:
1. Wash the thermometer with cold water and wipe clean with antiseptic solution.
2. Jerk the thermometer downward to bring mercury below 35°C.
3. Place the bulb under the patient's tongue and ask them to keep their mouth closed.
4. Wait for 1–2 minutes without removing the thermometer.
5. Remove the thermometer and hold it horizontally at eye level to read the mercury level.
6. Record the temperature, then wash and store the thermometer safely.