Temperatuurikordaja

A temperatuurikordaja, commonly known as a thermometer, is a scientific instrument used to measure temperature. It functions based on the principle that certain materials expand or contract in a predictable manner when exposed to temperature changes. The most widely used type of thermometer today is the liquid-in-glass thermometer, which contains a liquid, such as mercury or colored alcohol, that rises or falls within a narrow glass tube as the temperature changes.

Thermometers are essential tools in various fields, including meteorology, medicine, engineering, and scientific research. In meteorology, they are used to monitor atmospheric conditions, while in medicine, they help diagnose illnesses by measuring body temperature. Industrial applications often rely on thermometers to ensure machinery operates within safe temperature ranges, preventing overheating or damage.

Early thermometers were developed in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, with Galileo Galilei creating an early prototype based on air expansion. Later refinements, such as the mercury thermometer invented by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724, improved accuracy and reliability. Modern thermometers come in diverse forms, including digital devices that convert temperature changes into electrical signals for precise readings.

Temperature scales vary globally, with the Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F) scales being the most common. The Celsius scale, developed by Anders Celsius, is widely used in scientific and everyday contexts outside the United States, while the Fahrenheit scale remains standard in the U.S. The Kelvin (K) scale, an absolute temperature scale, is primarily used in scientific research.

Thermometers must be calibrated regularly to ensure accuracy. Factors such as exposure to extreme temperatures, physical damage, or liquid evaporation can affect performance. Proper handling and storage are essential to maintain their functionality over time. Advances in technology have also led to the development of infrared thermometers, which measure temperature without direct contact, making them useful in situations where traditional thermometers may be impractical.