What type of meter movement is primarily used to measure temperature?

The correct answer is thermal. Thermal meters operate based on the principle that as temperature changes, materials will respond in ways that can be measured. In thermal meter movements, the meter measures the expansion or contraction of a material in response to temperature changes, which is indicative of the temperature itself. Thermal measurements are commonly encountered in various applications, including HVAC systems and industrial processes, where accurate temperature readings are critical.

In contrast, electrical meter movements are designed to measure electrical characteristics such as voltage or current, while inductive movements typically relate to the measurement of electrical properties in AC circuits. Commutator movements are associated with rotary mechanisms and their function in converting DC to AC; they are not used for measuring temperature. Understanding these distinctions highlights why thermal is the appropriate choice for measuring temperature accurately.