My Galileo Thermometer doesn't work?

Question

So, yesterday I got a Galileo Thermometer for Christmas. It looks ok...the baubbles are coloured, it has weights and temperature markings, clear liquid and glass. But for some reason...it's not working??

All the balls have not moved since I got it out of the box, they are all down the bottom...I wouldn't complain if the temperature has remained vaguely the same, but it hasn't!
Mum thinks that because it was laying sideways in the box, it will take a few days to "get started". But it works on sound physics right? Density, buoyancy blah blah. It's not a machine...it shouldn't decide to break and then work again.
Anyone know why it's not working properly?

Answer 1

These usually work OK... But sometimes after being on its side or packaged for a long time the small balls get a little wedged on each other.. First try to wiggle the thermometer gently or tap on the glass, This will untangle them, It's also possible that the temperature is too warm where the thermometer is located. If you place it a fridge for about 15 minutes the balls should all be at the top (or at least some of them). If they are still at the bottom, then I think the're could be a problem.



It works on the expansion or contraction of air at the top. Cold air contracts decreasing density of the liquid.. My guess is that they are slightly wedged together (normal after shipping).. or its too warm at the location of the thermometer..



I have 2 of them and like them both. I usually give it a slight shake when checking the temperature. Good Luck, Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Answer 2

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RE:

My Galileo Thermometer doesn't work?

So, yesterday I got a Galileo Thermometer for Christmas. It looks ok...the baubbles are coloured, it has weights and temperature markings, clear liquid and glass. But for some reason...it's not working??



All the balls have not moved since I got it out of the box, they are all down the...

Answer 3

It does work on sound physics, and they're just the physics of energy minimization -- materials that are less dense than the fluid will float, and materials that are more dense than the fluid will sink, as gravity draws everything closer to the ground. (Gravity preferentially pulls the more dense stuff, then the liquid, and then the less dense stuff, if you want to view it that way.)



Generally speaking, the setup for these sorts of thermometers involves a special fluid which expands or contracts noticably with temperature -- hence, the density of the fluid changes. The little balls have constant densities and thus rise or float when the density of the fluid changes.



If this fluid became polluted or if it has undergone some chemical change recently, then the calibration for the whole system will be off; that could cause the problem you're seeing. Otherwise, you might try just heating it up by whatever means are safe for you.

Answer 4

Glass Thermometer With Floating Balls

Answer 5

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put it in the fridge and see if it moves then. the water's viscocity will decrease as the temperature decreases, then the callibrated bubbles will rise according to fluid dynamic principles discovered by archimedes. You probably have never had the thermometer in a cold enough place.

Answer 6

No that one will move when the liquid inside gets below 66 degrees. Let it stablize for a few days away from a window or any heat blowing on it.

Answer 7

I love those things. You can try placing your hands around the area where they are congested for a while and see if that makes a difference.