Final answer:
The construction of a thermometer is based on the principle of thermal expansion, where different materials are tested to operate accurately across specific temperature ranges, including the condition of -10 °C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept in question relates to the construction of a thermometer based on thermal expansion. Thermometers measure temperature by exploiting the thermal expansion of materials. When designing a thermometer, it is critical to understand that different materials expand at different rates when subjected to changes in temperature.
For a thermometer that is intended to operate in conditions where the temperature is -10 °C, you would need to select a material that reliably contracts and expands in response to temperature changes within that range and possibly below it. The maximum air temperature for which this thermometer should be designed to operate will depend on the material's range of linear thermal expansion and its ability to remain accurate over various temperature spans. This needs to be a reasonable condition to ensure reliable and precise temperature readings.