In fact, it uses a bimetallic-like strip that is embedded on the MEMS crystal with its end being held by a capacitor plate. While the idea of a mercury thermometer is based on the theory of the expansion of mercury when it is heated, a digital thermometer solely utilizes a circuit; which means it relies on the effectiveness of the microchip.
The resistance increases in relation to the temperature. An electromotive force streams through an electrode that calculates the current and the microchip in the thermometer translates that measurement into a digital reading. A digital thermometer relies on neither alcohol or water for its readings as water can freeze at certain temperatures, and alcohol decreases the accuracy because it is more vaporous than mercury, so it will evaporate.
As the temperature drop, some of the alcohol can also remain behind, which can also cause an inaccurate reading. Instead, digital thermometers contain metal parts that react based on voltage to provide faster and more accurate results than alcohol or water.
In the end, which type of thermometer you select makes all the difference between receiving a slow, unpredictable temperature reading and receiving fast, most accurate results. You should also consider the overall safety of the thermometer when making a choice. Digital Thermometer vs Mercury Thermometer: Which is better? ThermoPro January 16, Digital Thermometer vs. Mercury Thermometer Mercury thermometers have been around for quite some time; however, as of recent, digital thermometers have begun to take over, which is cause for us to research their benefits over mercury thermometers.
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US EPA. What to do if a mercury thermometer breaks. Glass thermometer injuries: it is not just about the mercury. Pediatr Emerg Care. Elemental mercury exposure: an evidence-based consensus guideline for out-of-hospital management. Clin Toxicol Phila.
Galinistan liquid Material Safety Data Sheet. Accuracy of peripheral thermometers for estimating temperature: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med ; The Bottom Line A broken mercury-containing thermometer can be toxic if the vapors are inhaled. The Full Story A fever can be a sign of an infection or other medical conditions, so it is useful to be able to check body temperature with a thermometer. Have everyone else including pets leave the area; don't let anyone walk through the mercury on their way out.
Open all windows and doors to the outside; shut all doors to other parts of the house. DO NOT allow children to help you clean up the spill.
Mercury can be cleaned up easily from the following surfaces: wood, linoleum, tile, and most other hard, smooth surfaces. If a spill occurs on carpet, curtains, upholstery, or other absorbent surfaces, these contaminated items should be thrown away in accordance with the disposal means outlined below.
Only cut and remove the affected portion of the contaminated carpet for disposal. Put on rubber, nitrile, or latex gloves before handling mercury contaminated objects or broken mercury thermometers. If there are any broken pieces of glass or sharp objects, pick them up with care. Place all broken objects on a paper towel. Fold the paper towel and seal it in a Zip-Lock style bag. Locate visible mercury beads. DO NOT use a vacuum cleaner or broom to clean up mercury. Use a squeegee or cardboard to gather mercury beads.
Use slow sweeping motions to keep mercury from becoming uncontrollable. There are non-mercury thermometers with temperature and accuracy ranges equal to most mercury thermometers. An exception is on the high end of the temperature scale. If scientific procedures cannot be performed with non-mercury thermometers, Teflon coated mercury thermometers should be used. The Teflon coating will help to reduce releases of mercury should a thermometer be broken.
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