Temperature Sensors
Temperature sensors are useful devices used in various applications to gauge and monitor temperature changes accurately. A temperature sensor, also known as a thermometer, thermosensor, or thermocouple, is an electronic component designed to detect and measure temperature. These sensors are vital tools in class lessons ranging from weather units and heat of reactions to water quality determination and discovering the heat capacities of metal samples in physics. Temperature sensors have become indispensable for helping students see principles in action.
In this guide, we’ll cover our available temperature sensors:
How Do Temperature Sensors Work?
The mechanism behind temperature measurement involves exploiting the temperature-dependent physical properties of materials, such as resistance changed, voltage generated, or the expansion of certain substances. The sensor records the generated electrical signals, which can then be converted into digital temperature readings by connected instruments or circuits and reported on user displays.
Common Applications
- Measure freezing/melting point changes
- Investigate calorimetry and enthalpy
- Monitor radiation from surfaces
- Monitor temperature during titrations
- Test water quality
- Monitor temperature during chemical reactions
- Demonstrate gas laws
- Capacity for heat flow between connected objects
- Henry’s, Raoult’s & Charles’s Laws
The Wireless Temperature Sensor collecting data in the lab.
Students use a PASPORT Stainless Steel Temperature Probe and Airlink to gather temperature data from a local water source.
Wireless Temperature Sensor
The Wireless Temperature Sensor (PS-3201) is a durable, dirt-proof and water-resistant sensor with a stainless steel probe for the most demanding of applications. It can detect small, significant temperature changes for investigating chemical reactions, convection currents, and skin temperatures. The stainless steel probe can withstand higher temperature ranges, making it ideal for studies in thermodynamics, vapor pressure changes illustrating Raoult’s law and Henry’s law. Stream the data in real-time with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or store the data directly on the sensor for long-term studies to download and analyze later.
Wireless Temperature Sensor Features
- Range: -40ºC – 125ºC
- Resolution: 0.01ºC
- Accuracy: ±0.5ºC
- Logging: Yes
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
- Displays: ºC, K, and ºF
- Stored Data Points Memory (Logging Mode): >55,000*
- Battery Life (Data Collection Mode): >275 hr (2-3 yrs of normal classroom use)*
- Battery Life (Data Logging Mode): 35 days*
- Battery Type: Coin
*See Product Page for specific information regarding battery life.
Watch the video below for an overview:
Get the Lab
Investigations with the Wireless Temperature Sensor
Visit our Experiment Library to view a list of studies to do with your class.Software Required
The Wireless Temperature Sensor requires either SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone software for data collection and analysis. For more information on which software is right for your classroom, see our Software Comparison Guide.
Compatible Accessories
The Wireless Temperature Sensor is compatible with a variety of accessories:
Wireless Temperature Sensor Pack
Classroom 8-pack of Wireless Temperature Sensors packaged in a Gratnells storage tray with custom insert.
Coin Cell Battery Pack
10 pack of replacement CR 2032 coin cell batteries.
Basic Calorimetry Set
Uses an inexpensive styrene foam calorimeter, five different metal samples, and more to allow students to investigate the...
Radiation Cans
Three cans in different colors to quantitatively investigating a full range of heat transfer phenomena.
PASPORT Temperature Sensor
The PASPORT Temperature Sensor (PS-2125) is the older edition of the Wireless Temperature Sensor; it has the same accuracy as the wireless version, but a smaller range. The PASPORT Temperature Sensor also works with PASCO software, but it requires an interface to connect to your device. The sensor features a rugged stainless steel probe, easy-grip handle, and 3” polyurethane tubing. However, you can change out the probe with other available options like the fast response or surface temperature probe. No recalibration is required.
Just like the Wireless Temperature Sensor, it can detect temperature when immersed in liquids, held in the air, or touching a solid surface for a multitude of investigations. When in use with PASCO’s Airlink, these devices can also share measured data wirelessly to student devices.
PASPORT Temperature Sensor Features
- Range: -35ºC – 135ºC
- Resolution: 0.0025ºC
- Accuracy: ±0.5ºC
- Logging: No
- Maximum Sample Rate: 10Hz
- Displays: ºC, K, and ºF
- Repeatability: 0.1ºC
Get the Lab
Investigations with the PASPORT Temperature Sensor
Visit our Experiment Library to view a list of studies to do with your class.Software Required
The Wireless Temperature Sensor requires either SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone software for data collection and analysis. For more information on which software is right for your classroom, see our Software Comparison Guide.
Compatible Interfaces
A PASCO interface is required to connect the PASPORT Temperature Sensor to your computer or device. We recommend the following options. For a breakdown of features, capabilities, and additional options, see our Interface Comparison Guide.
Compatible Accessories
The PASPORT Temperature Sensor has several compatible devices, including interchangeable probes:
PASPORT Fast Response Temperature Probe (3 Pack)
Allows students to see instant changes in temperature in sensitive and fast-changing conditions. For use with temperature...
PASPORT Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
Versatile probe with wide temperature range. For use with PASPORT and ScienceWorkshop Interfaces.
PASPORT Skin/Surface Temperature Probe
Features a flat contact area with a wide, measurable range that allows students to measure a variety of surfaces. For use...
PASPORT Infrared Light Sensor
Measures infrared radiation intensity over a broad spectrum, allowing students to study blackbody radiation and other experiments....
Wireless Temperature Sensor Link
The Wireless Temperature Sensor Link (PS-3222) works with any PASCO temperature probe with a 3.5-mm connection to transform the probe into a wireless device. Compatible devices include the Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, Skin/Surface Temperature Probe, the Absolute Zero Sphere, and the Ideal Gas Law Apparatus. Additionally, it comes with its own Fast Response Temperature Probe.
Wireless Temperature Sensor Link Features
- Battery Life: > 1 Year
- Maximum Sampling Rate: 20Hz
- Compatible Temperature Probes:
- Skin/Surface (PS-2131)
- Fast Response (PS-2135)
- Stainless Steel (PS-2153)
- Range with Included Probe: -35 ºC to 135 ºC
- Jack: 3.5 mm Stereo
- Logging: Yes
- Connectivity: Bluetooth® 4.0
- Accuracy: ±0.5 ºC
- Resolution: ±0.05 ºC
- Stored Data Points Memory (Logging Mode): >55,000*
- Battery Life (Data Collection Mode): >90 Hours of Normal Classroom Use*
- Battery Life (Data Logging Mode): >48 Hours*
- Battery Type: Coin
*See Product Page for specific information regarding battery life.
Software Required
The Wireless Temperature Sensor Link requires either SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone software for data collection and analysis. No interface required. For more information on which software is right for your classroom, see our Software Comparison Guide.
Compare the Wireless Temperature Sensor and PASPORT Temperature Sensor with additional available temperature sensors and probes below:
| PASCO Sensor | PASCO Interface | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Temperature Sensor | No Interface Required |
|
| PASPORT Temperature Sensor | Any PASPORT interface, 550, or 850 |
|
| PASPORT Quad Temperature Sensor | Any PASPORT interface, 550, or 850 |
|
| ScienceWorkshop Temperature Sensor | 550/850 interfaces or legacy 500/750 interfaces |
|
| ScienceWorkshop Quad Temperature Sensor | Any PASPORT interface, 550, or 850 |
|
Temperature probes available for the above sensors:
| PASCO Sensor | PASCO Interface |
|---|---|
| Fast Response Temperature Probe |
|
| Surface Temperature Probe |
|
| Stainless Steel Probe |
|
| Non-Contact Temperature: Any PASPORT interface, 550, or 850 |
|
| Type-K Temperature: Any PASPORT interface, 550, or 850 |
|
Additional Resources
If you have additional questions regarding our equipment or software, contact PASCO Technical Support. We're here to help.