The Temperature |
This page provides information on the weather element known as Temperature. |
What is temperature?
Temperature is the measurement of how hot or cold something is.
How is it Measured?
Thermometer:
A Thermometer is a device used to measure the weather, it is normally filled with a substance called mercury which is a liquid that expands when it is heated. It is a long tube with a bulb of glass at the bottom that is filled with mercury, it has been worked out what height the liquid rises up the tube at certain temperatures so that markings can be put on the glass tube in order to show what temperature it is. |
Maximum - Minimum Thermometer:
A maximum - minimum thermometer is a device that shows the coldest temperature of the day, the warmest temperature of the day and the temperature at the time that you are looking at the device. It is filled with mercury, alcoholic gas and 2 pieces of metal to show the readings. This device must be reset by a magnet at the end of the day. See below for a picture of an example. |
What is the unit of measurement?
The unit of measurement for temperature is Degrees Celsiuis/ Centigrade (ºC).
Key Terms:
Isotherms are lines on a weather map that join places of equal temperature
Example:
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Click the following link to go to a cool website that allows you to create your own ISOTHERMS on a weather map:
https://courseware.e-education.psu.edu/public/meteo/meteo101demo/Examples/Images/Section2/contour_tool_t0203.swf |
Calculations for Temperature:
The following formulas are required for the Junior Certificate:
(Average temperature for the year):
Mean Temperature = sum of monthly temperatures/ Divided by 12
(The difference between the hottest and coldest temperature of a month, year, etc.):
Temperature Range = Maximum temperature – Minimum Temperature