Class 6 Science - KERALA
Temperature and its Measurement
In this chapter, Class 6 Kerala SCERT students explore the concept of temperature as a measure of how hot or cold an object is. You will learn how our sense of touch can sometimes be misleading and why we need reliable instruments like thermometers to measure temperature accurately. The chapter covers the construction and working of a clinical thermometer and a laboratory thermometer, standard units of measurement such as Celsius and Fahrenheit, and important safety precautions when handling glass thermometers. Mastering this chapter is essential for scoring well in your science exams as it builds the foundation for physics and chemistry in higher classes.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Temperature
Temperature is a measure of the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or an environment.
Thermometer
A thermometer is a device specifically designed and used for measuring temperature accurately.
Clinical Thermometer
A specialized glass thermometer used specifically to measure the temperature of the human body, typically ranging from 35°C to 42°C.
Laboratory Thermometer
A larger thermometer used in school laboratories to measure the temperature of various substances and liquids, usually ranging from -10°C to 110°C.
Celsius Scale
A standard temperature scale where the freezing point of water is 0°C and the boiling point is 100°C.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
This chapter usually carries around 4 to 6 marks in the Kerala (SCERT) Class 6 Science examinations. Common question types include diagram labeling (parts of a clinical thermometer), differentiating between clinical and laboratory thermometers, and answering conceptual reasoning questions about why we jerk a thermometer before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we jerk a clinical thermometer before measuring temperature?
We give a jerk to the clinical thermometer so that the level of mercury falls below 35°C, ensuring an accurate reading for the next measurement.
Can we use a laboratory thermometer to measure human body temperature?
No, because the moment you take a laboratory thermometer out of the mouth, the mercury level starts falling immediately as it does not have a constriction like a clinical thermometer.
Why is mercury used in thermometers?
Mercury remains in liquid form over a wide range of temperatures, does not stick to glass, and is a shiny, easily visible metal.
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