Using a thermometer well
A thermometer bulb is dipped only halfway into hot water. The reading is too low.
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Step 1 of 4
- The bulb touches only the surface.
- The reading comes out low.
- The bulb sits fully inside the water.
- Now the reading is true.
The rule
- Keep the bulb fully inside what you measure. Then the bulb reads the water, not the air.
- Do not let the bulb touch the bottom or the side. They can be hotter or colder than the water.
- Wait until the liquid stops moving. Then it matches the water. Then read.
- Keep a glass thermometer away from flames. The glass can break.
- If it breaks, do not touch the pieces. Broken glass can cut you. Tell an adult.