Question

Go to a doctor or your nearest health centre. Observe the doctor taking the temperature of patients. Enquire:

1. Why she dips the thermometer in a liquid before use.
2. Why the thermometer is kept under the tongue.
3. Whether the body temperature can be measured by keeping the thermometer at some place other than the mouth.
4. Whether the temperature of different parts of the body is the same or different.

You can add more questions which come to your mind.

Answer 1

1. The thermometer is dipped in an antiseptic solution to disinfect it and prevent the spread of infections between patients.
2. The area under the tongue provides a stable and accurate measurement of the body's core temperature.
3. Yes, body temperature can also be measured in the armpit or rectum, but these areas might provide slightly different readings.
4. The temperature of different parts of the body can vary slightly, with rectal temperatures usually higher than oral temperatures, and armpit temperatures generally lower.