Which instrument is used to measure sensible heat?

The correct answer is the thermometer, which is specifically designed to measure temperature. Sensible heat is the heat absorbed or released when a substance changes temperature without changing its state, and it corresponds directly to the temperature change of the substance. A thermometer provides a direct measurement of temperature, allowing for the calculation of sensible heat based on the temperature difference of the material before and after heating or cooling.

A barometer is used to measure atmospheric pressure, which is unrelated to temperature or heat measurement. A hydrometer measures the specific gravity or density of liquids and is not designed for heat or temperature readings. A pyranometer, on the other hand, measures solar radiation but does not provide information about sensible heat directly.

Understanding how each instrument functions helps clarify why a thermometer is the tool suited for measuring sensible heat, as it directly relates temperature to energy changes within a material.