Chapter U3.4, Problem 7E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : Whether a person with body temperature of 40⁰C is to be considered sick or not is to be determined and explained.

Concept Introduction : On a Celsius scale the melting temperature of ice is 0⁰C and boiling point of water is 100⁰C. On the Fahrenheit scale, the melting temperature of ice is 32⁰F and boiling point of water is 212⁰F.

Answer to Problem 7E

A person with body temperature of 40⁰C is sick because on a Celsius scale, it is more than 37⁰C which is considered to be normal body temperature.

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

A person has a body temperature of 40⁰C.

A clinical thermometer is an instrument used to measure a person’s body temperature. It has a range of 35⁰C to 42⁰C. The normal body temperature of humans is considered to be 37⁰C. Any temperature above 37⁰C is considered to be abnormal. So, a person whose body temperature is 40⁰C is sick as this temperature is more than normal body temperature.

Conclusion

The liquid used in clinical thermometer is mercury. The level of mercury in the glass tube indicates the temperature of the body.