Science Curiosity Notes Class 6 English Medium 2026-27

Science Curiosity Chapter 7. Temperature and its Measurement

CBSE Notes New Syllabus: Class 6

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Chapter 7. Temperature and its Measurement

Temperature tells us how hot or cold an object is. Since our sense of touch is not always accurate, scientists use thermometers to measure temperature correctly. This chapter explains temperature, thermometers, and different temperature scales. 

Detailed Notes

Temperature

Temperature: Temperature is the measure of the degree of hotness or coldness of an object. 

Examples of Temperature

(i) Hot tea

(ii) Cold ice

(iii) Warm water

(iv) Boiling water

Importance of Temperature

(i) Helps compare hot and cold objects.

(ii) Gives accurate measurements.

(iii) Used in science and daily life.

Why Our Sense of Touch is Not Reliable

Sense of Touch: Our sense of touch cannot measure temperature accurately.

Reasons

(i) Skin adapts to different temperatures.

(ii) The same object may feel hot or cold.

(iii) It depends on previous exposure.

(iv) A thermometer gives correct readings. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Thermometer

Thermometer: A thermometer is an instrument used to measure temperature accurately. 

Uses of a Thermometer

(i) Measures body temperature.

(ii) Measures temperature in laboratories.

(iii) Measures air temperature.

Types of Thermometers

Types of Thermometers: Different thermometers are used for different purposes. 

Clinical Thermometer

Clinical Thermometer: A clinical thermometer is used to measure the temperature of the human body. 

Features of a Clinical Thermometer

(i) Measures body temperature.

(ii) Used in hospitals and homes.

(iii) Digital thermometers are commonly used.

Normal Body Temperature

(i) 37°C

(ii) 98.6°F

Advantages of Digital Thermometers

Digital Thermometer: A digital thermometer gives quick and accurate temperature readings. 

Advantages

(i) Gives fast readings.

(ii) Easy to read.

(iii) Does not contain mercury.

(iv) Safe for children.

Key Points

(i) Temperature tells how hot or cold an object is.

(ii) Our sense of touch is not always reliable.

(iii) A thermometer measures temperature accurately.

(iv) Different thermometers have different uses.

(v) The normal body temperature is 37°C or 98.6°F.

(vi) Digital thermometers are safe and easy to use.

Precautions While Using a Clinical Thermometer

Precautions: A clinical thermometer should be used carefully to get accurate readings and maintain hygiene. 

Precautions

(i) Clean the thermometer before and after use.

(ii) Read the instructions carefully.

(iii) Keep the display away from water.

(iv) Do not hold the sensing tip.

(v) Wait for the beep before reading.

Laboratory Thermometer

Laboratory Thermometer: A laboratory thermometer is used to measure the temperature of liquids and other substances during experiments. 

Uses of a Laboratory Thermometer

(i) Scientific experiments.

(ii) Measuring the temperature of liquids.

(iii) Laboratory activities.

Characteristics

(i) Has a wide temperature range.

(ii) Measures high and low temperatures.

(iii) Used only in laboratories.

Correct Method of Using a Laboratory Thermometer

Correct Method: A laboratory thermometer should be used properly to obtain accurate readings.

Steps

(i) Keep the thermometer vertical.

(ii) Immerse only the bulb in the liquid.

(iii) Do not let the bulb touch the container.

(iv) Read the temperature while it is still in the liquid.

(v) Read the scale at eye level.

Temperature Scales

Temperature Scales: Temperature is measured using different scales. 

Relationship Between Temperature Scales

Temperature Scale Relationship: The same temperature can be expressed in different scales. 

Formula

(i) Temperature (K) = Temperature (°C) + 273.15

Air Temperature

Air Temperature: Air temperature is the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere. 

Factors Affecting Air Temperature

(i) Sunlight

(ii) Clouds

(iii) Rainfall

(iv) Wind

(v) Seasons

Weather Reports

(i) Maximum temperature.

(ii) Minimum temperature.

Key Points

(i) A laboratory thermometer measures the temperature of liquids.

(ii) Always read the thermometer at eye level.

(iii) Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin are temperature scales.

(iv) Kelvin is the SI unit of temperature.

(v) Air temperature changes due to weather conditions.

(vi) Weather reports show maximum and minimum temperatures.

Applications of Temperature Measurement

Applications of Temperature Measurement: Temperature measurement is useful in healthcare, science, industries, and everyday life. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Uses of Temperature Measurement

(i) Diagnosing fever.

(ii) Laboratory experiments.

(iii) Weather forecasting.

(iv) Food storage and refrigeration.

(v) Industrial processes.

(vi) Agriculture.

(vii) Cooking and food processing.

(viii) Scientific research.

Importance of Accurate Temperature Measurement

Accurate Temperature Measurement: Correct temperature measurement helps us make safe and reliable decisions. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Importance

(i) Helps doctors diagnose illnesses.

(ii) Gives reliable scientific results.

(iii) Maintains product quality in industries.

(iv) Supports weather forecasting.

(v) Prevents incorrect observations.

Choosing the Right Thermometer

Choosing the Right Thermometer: Different thermometers are used for different purposes. 

Quick Revision

(i) Temperature measures the hotness or coldness of an object.

(ii) Our sense of touch cannot measure temperature accurately.

(iii) A thermometer is used to measure temperature.

(iv) Clinical thermometers measure body temperature.

(v) Laboratory thermometers are used in scientific experiments.

(vi) The normal human body temperature is 37°C or 98.6°F.

(vii) Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin are temperature scales.

(viii) Kelvin (K) is the SI unit of temperature.

(ix) Weather stations measure air temperature.

(x) Accurate temperature measurement is important in healthcare, science, industries, and daily life.