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Thermometer

Definition

A thermometer is an instrument used to measure temperature.

Analogy

Imagine if you were baking cookies and wanted to know when they're done. You'd use a toothpick to check their doneness - if it comes out clean, they're ready! Similarly, a thermometer "checks" how hot or cold something is by giving us a precise temperature reading.

Related terms

Temperature Gradient: The rate at which temperature changes with distance in a given direction within a substance.

Thermal Equilibrium: The state where all parts of a system are at the same temperature.

Absolute Zero: The lowest possible temperature where particles stop moving completely.

"Thermometer" appears in:

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.