A student uses a liquid thermometer to measure the temperature of a substance in a beaker during science class. The teacher says
that the measurement is incorrect. Which are the most likely reasons the liquid thermometer could have measured the wrong temperature? Check all that apply.
1. The thermometer was not calibrated electronically.
2. The software connected to the thermometer had errors.
3. The bulb of the thermometer was touching the beaker.
4. The thermometer's bulb was not submerged in the substance.
5. The student stirred the substance with the thermometer.
Allowing the thermometer bulb to touch the beaker will result in inaccurate readings because the thermometer will conduct heat from the beaker. This will be worse especially if the beaker is not at temperature equilibrium with the liquid inside. Also, don't handle the thermometer until the temperature levels off.
