why arent thermometers truly accurate
Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. First of all you haven't mentioned what kind of thermometer interests you. As for the temperature outside it would depend upon if the thermometer were in the sun, shade, etc. Here is a nice site explaining the accuracy of thermometers, or lack thereof!
www.ece.unb.ca/tervo/ee2791/intro.htm
Thermometers are not truly accurate because they are subject to certain limitations and sources of error. Here are a few reasons why thermometers may not be fully accurate:
1. Calibration: Thermometers need to be calibrated regularly to ensure accurate readings. Over time, they may become less accurate due to wear and tear, or if they are not calibrated properly.
2. Measurement error: There is always some level of measurement error inherent in any thermometer. This error can be due to various factors such as the quality of the materials used, the manufacturing process, or the design of the thermometer itself.
3. Environmental factors: The accuracy of a thermometer can be affected by the environment it is used in. For example, if a thermometer is exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, or other environmental factors, it may affect the accuracy of the readings.
4. Human error: The accuracy of a thermometer can also be influenced by the person using it. Factors such as improper placement, incorrect reading of the scale, or human bias can introduce errors in the measurements.
To mitigate these inaccuracies, it is important to properly calibrate the thermometer, use it in an appropriate environment, and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Additionally, using multiple thermometers and taking averages of their readings can help improve accuracy.