What they look like

The main advantage of using a temperature sensor over a conventional thermometer is in the context of investigations where temperature needs to be monitored over a period of time, (e.g. in plotting a cooling curve for a cup of coffee).

How the sensor works

A typical Temperature Sensor has a thermistor housed at the end of a stainless steel tube. The tube is only a few millimeters thick and may be about 20 cm long. It is the tip of the sensor that is sensitive to temperature.

The probe uses the 20 kΩ NTC Thermistor. The thermistor is a variable resistor whoseresistance decreases nonlinearly with increasing temperature.

Temperature sensors usually offer a range of measurement similar to many liquid-in-glass thermometers, typically -30C to +130C.

Practical Information

• Ensure good thermal contact between the tip of the temperature sensor and any object whose temperature is to be measured
• Ensure that any cable from the temperature sensor (probe) to a datalogger is kept away from all sources of heat.
• Do not put any part of the Sensor in a direct flame or on a hot plate.
• Avoid submerging the Sensor beyond the stainless steel portion.
• The steel casing is generally resistant to corrosion. However, do not leave the sensor in acidic solution for more than a day.

Where it can be used

• Monitoring indoor and outdoor temperature
• As a thermometer in any investigation
• Insulation studies
• Investigating endothermic and exothermic reactions
• Cooling curves
• Evaporation, radiation, conduction and convection investigations
• Energy content of fuels and foods
• Heat absorption and radiate