How do you read a maximum minimum thermometer?

A maximum-minimum thermometer is a special type of thermometer that measures both the highest (maximum) and lowest (minimum) temperatures that occur over a period of time. It typically consists of a U-shaped glass tube filled with alcohol, with two bulbous reservoirs at the ends of the tube.

Here's how you read a maximum-minimum thermometer:

1. Locate the Maximum and Minimum Indicators: Inside the glass tube, you will see two metal markers or pointers. One of the pointers is usually colored red, and the other is blue or black. These pointers are what indicate the maximum and minimum temperatures.

2. Read the Maximum Temperature: The red pointer indicates the maximum temperature reached during the measurement period. To read the maximum temperature, note the position of the red pointer and align it with the scale markings on the thermometer. The scale markings usually represent temperature units like Celsius or Fahrenheit.

3. Read the Minimum Temperature: Similarly, the blue or black pointer indicates the minimum temperature. Align the blue pointer with the scale markings to determine the lowest temperature recorded during the measurement period.

4. Reset the Thermometer: After reading the maximum and minimum temperatures, you can reset the thermometer for future use. This involves gently shaking or tapping the thermometer until the pointers move to the ends of the tube, away from the scale markings.

5. Repeat as Needed: The maximum-minimum thermometer will continue to record the maximum and minimum temperatures until it is reset. You can repeat the process of reading and resetting the thermometer to track temperature changes over time.

Remember to handle the maximum-minimum thermometer with care to avoid any damage to the glass tube or the pointers.