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I. Chapter Summary:
This chapter helps students understand the concept of temperature, how it differs from heat, and how it is measured. It introduces thermometers, particularly the clinical thermometer, and explains how temperature is read accurately. Students also learn about the boiling and freezing points of water and precautions to take while using thermometers. This foundational understanding builds the base for thermal physics in higher classes.
II. Key Concepts Covered:
Concept | Description |
---|---|
Temperature | Degree of hotness or coldness of an object. |
Heat vs Temperature | Heat is energy; temperature is a measure of heat. |
Thermometers | Devices used to measure temperature. |
Clinical Thermometer | Used to measure body temperature (range: 35°C to 42°C). |
Laboratory Thermometer | Used in experiments (range: -10°C to 110°C). |
Fixed Points | Freezing point: 0°C, Boiling point: 100°C (for water). |
Precautions | Shake thermometer, place under tongue/armpit, read carefully. |
III. Important Questions:
(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark)
The normal body temperature of a human is:
a) 100°C b) 37°F c) 98.6°F d) 20°C
Answer: c) 98.6°FWhich thermometer is used to measure body temperature?
a) Laboratory thermometer b) Clinical thermometer c) Mercury barometer d) Digital hygrometer
Answer: b) Clinical thermometerThe boiling point of water is:
a) 0°C b) 50°C c) 100°C d) 37°C
Answer: c) 100°CWhich precaution is NOT needed while using a clinical thermometer?
a) Shake the thermometer before use
b) Read it after 15 minutes
c) Hold it at eye level while reading
d) Do not touch the bulb
Answer: b) Read it after 15 minutes
(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks)
What is the difference between heat and temperature?
List two precautions to be taken while using a clinical thermometer.
Why is mercury used in thermometers?
What is the range of a laboratory thermometer?
(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)
Describe the structure and working of a clinical thermometer. (PYQ 2020)
How is a laboratory thermometer different from a clinical thermometer? (PYQ 2019)
Write an activity to show how a laboratory thermometer can measure temperature.
Explain the concept of temperature with examples and how it can be measured accurately.
(D) HOTS – Higher Order Thinking Skills
Why is it dangerous to use a clinical thermometer to measure hot water?
Your friend says “ice is cold because it has temperature zero.” Do you agree? Explain.
IV. Key Formulas / Concepts / Definitions:
Temperature: A measure of the degree of hotness (unit: °C or °F)
Normal human body temperature: 37°C or 98.6°F
Freezing point of water: 0°C
Boiling point of water: 100°C
Formula for Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion:
°F=(95×°C)+32\text{°F} = \left( \frac{9}{5} \times \text{°C} \right) + 32°F=(59×°C)+32Formula for Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion:
°C=(59×(°F−32))\text{°C} = \left( \frac{5}{9} \times (\text{°F} – 32) \right)°C=(95×(°F−32))
V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026):
No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.
VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026):
Unit/Chapter | Estimated Marks | Type of Questions Typically Asked |
---|---|---|
Chapter 7: Temperature and its Measurement | 5–6 Marks | 1 MCQ, 1–2 short answer, 1 long answer or HOTS |
VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs):
Year | Marks | Question |
---|---|---|
2020 | 5 | Draw and label a clinical thermometer and explain its use. |
2019 | 3 | What is the use of a laboratory thermometer? How is it different from a clinical thermometer? |
2018 | 1 | State the freezing point of water. |
2018 | 2 | List any two precautions while using a thermometer. |
VIII. Real-World Application Examples:
Doctors: Use clinical thermometers to monitor fever and illness.
Weather Forecasting: Thermometers are used in weather stations to track temperature changes.
Cooking: Infrared thermometers are used in kitchens to measure food temperature.
Industrial Use: Digital and analog thermometers are used in boilers and furnaces.
IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success:
Time Management:
Revise temperature and heat concepts along with real-life examples.
Spend 30 minutes on diagrams, 15 minutes on conversion formulas.
Exam Preparation:
Practice reading thermometer diagrams carefully.
Prepare a chart comparing clinical and laboratory thermometers.
Stress Management:
Perform thermometer experiments with adult supervision.
Use flashcards to remember boiling and freezing points.
X. Career Guidance & Exploration (Class-Specific):
For Classes 9–10:
Academic Streams: Understanding temperature lays foundation for Physics and Chemistry in Science stream.
Competitive Exams: NTSE, Olympiads, and entrance exams include thermal physics questions.
Career Paths: Meteorologist, Biomedical Engineer, Physicist, HVAC Technician, Nurse.
XI. Important Notes:
Refer to NCERT and CBSE Academic for updates.
Focus on application-based learning, not memorization.
Practicing thermometer diagrams and conversions builds confidence for exams.