Reading:

Answer the following questions

1- What is thermometer used for? --------------------------------------------------

2- Who use it? -------------------------------------------------------------------

3- Where is it used? -----------------------------------------------------------------

Thermometer : Main parts and functions

The thermometer is an instrument used to measure temperature. Depending on the type of

thermometer, you can measure body temperature, water, air, and many other things.

The thermometer is used in clinical, chemical and even gardening. Air and water expand and contract
because of the temperature that exists.

Thermometer parts

There are different types of thermometers that are used in different industries, each adapted to
the place where they will be used, but all have the same function:: to measure the temperature
We can highlight the thermometer known as clinical ,which continues to operate on a mercury
basis despite the many technological alternatives that exist in the market.

The reason why this is one of the most famous is because mercury goes from being
solidified to liquid quickly, therefore it expand more quickly and offers more precise
measurement.

Bulb
The bulb is the basis of mercury thermometers. It is at the bottom and is cylindrical or
spherical depending on the artifact. The functionality of the bulb is to store the mercury and
is usually made of stainless steel, but can be made of glass as well.
When it comes in contact with the place to measure and the temperature rises, the mercury
leaves the bulb and when the temperature descends the mercury low and returns to deposit
inside the bulb.
Capillary
The capillary or stem is the tube through which the mercury flows. It is inside the glass body
of the thermometer and is connected to the bulb.
It is the route that allows the mercury to travel until reaching the temperature at which the
target is in measurement and back to the bulb.
Body
The body is the glass tube that covers the stem. It is of elongated and triangular shape but
the edges are softened, giving them a rounded appearance for a better handling. Usually
measures 20 to 30 cm.
It is for this part that has given so many negative replicas to the mercury thermometers,
since if it is ingested in considerable quantities can be toxic.
Expansion compartment
The expansion compartment is the space above the stem, where gas and air are deposited
while the mercury rises and the place where the mercury will be located in case it is
exceeded.
Scale
The scale includes the marks on the body of the thermometer and indicates the temperature
level. Depending on the thermometer you can have ° F or ° C.
Valve

Vocabulary: parts of thermometer

Scale valve bulb body capillary Useful expressions

expansion compartment stem Comes in contact with tempreture
Descend rise made of
Grammar: relative pronouns which /that /who
Which is a relative pronoun used to refer to an object i.e. inanimate

Who is another relative pronoun? It is used to refer to the person (animate)

Have a look at the following examples.

1- Body is the glass tube that /which covers the stem

2- Biomedical engineer is the person who /that fix thermometer when it has a fault.