How do partial and total immersion thermometers differ?
The main difference between partial and total immersion thermometers is the method in which they are calibrated and how they are used. Thermometers calibrated for total immersion indicate accurate temperature when the thermometer is immersed to the liquid level in the capillary. For example, when thermometers measure atmospheric temperature, semi-solids, or liquids, the thermometer is immersed up to the tip or meniscus of the liquid column. Simply put, immerse the thermometer to the temperature point you are trying to measure.
