Question

What is the mechanism of a digital thermometer? Also, does it have a kink?

Answer 1

The tip of the thermometer is said as the heart of the thermometer. It is placed closed to the body part to measure the temperature of the body. The tip of the Thermometer contains thermistor to measure temperature. It is a ceramic semiconductor which is bonded in the tip which os sensitive to temperature. It is covered with a cap so to prevent it from the outer world. The cap may be made up of metal or stainless steel. Thermistor is responsible for converting the physical temperature into electrical signals.


People often have the misconception that it contains mercury. Digital Thermometers are mercury free. These thermometers contain thermistor inside the tip which is used to measure the temperature. So it doesnt have kink as kink is used to prevent mercury from falling down. Here no mercury so no kink.