Which type of thermometer changes the most rapidly when removed from a liquid sample?

The choice of total immersion thermometer is accurate because it is specifically designed to provide an immediate and accurate reading when immersed in a liquid. When removed from the liquid, a total immersion thermometer's reading can change quickly since it is calibrated to respond to the temperature of the liquid being measured.

Total immersion thermometers have a significant heat capacity due to their design, which allows them to transfer heat quickly between the thermometer and the surrounding environment. This characteristic leads to rapid changes in temperature reading when taken out of the liquid.

In contrast, other types of thermometers, like alcohol, infrared, and bimetallic thermometers, may take longer to adjust to the surrounding temperature due to their construction and the materials used. Alcohol thermometers rely on the physical expansion of alcohol, which can be slower to respond. Infrared thermometers measure temperature based on emitted infrared radiation and might not provide immediate readings when the ambient temperature fluctuates. Bimetallic thermometers utilize metal strips that expand or contract and can also take time to stabilize after being removed from a liquid.

Therefore, the prompt change in reading of a total immersion thermometer when removed from a liquid makes it the most effective choice for quick temperature changes in this scenario.