Question

Why might there be different kinds of thermometers for measuring temperature?

Answer 1

One of the first distinctions needed when talking about types of thermometers is form of measurement. For all but strictly scientific purpose the most common scales are called Fahrenheit and Celsius, and they may be used differently in varying places around the world. For at home use, people in the US are likely to rely on Fahrenheit thermometers, but at hospitals or doctor’s offices, it might be more common to see the Celsius scale used. In the UK, Celsius is much more commonly used than is Fahrenheit, for example.
Having explained differences in temperature scale, it is then possible to consider the variety of thermometers. As mentioned, thermometers are widely used in medicine to check the body for fever. Until a few decades ago, those most commonly employed were mercury glass thermometers that could be inserted into the mouth or rectum to determine body temperature. Today, these are not common given the toxicity of mercury.




A host of options have exploded onto the market instead. Small digital thermometers can be cheaply purchased at a pharmacy and might be used to take an oral or axillary (under the arm) reading. There are also fever strips for one-time checks that may be applied to the forehead or placed in the mouth. Ear thermometers analyze temperature, and some devices roll over the forehead to get a reading

Answer 2

based on units
1) celcius thermometers
2)fahrenheit thermometer
3)kelvin thermometer

based on use:
1)there might be anal thermometers
2)room thermometers
3)body/skin thermometers

based on chemical present in it:
1)electronic
2)mercuric