2006-06-18 12:10:41 · 7 answers · asked by Ian B 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
It uses the Ideal Gas Law - PV=nRT.
The higher the temperature, the mercury will expand (higher volume).
2006-06-18 12:14:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never seen a mercury max min thermometer. But an alcohol minimum thermometer has a piece of iron trapped underneath the meniscus. As the temperature falls, surface tension drags the iron down. When the temperature starts to rise, the iron stays put at the minimum position. To reset it, you turn the thermometer upside down. An alcohol maximum thermometer has a piece of light material that floats on the alcohol. After the maximum temperature is reached and the alcohol starts to recede, the floater stays put. You reset it by shaking the thermometer. I can't think of any advantage a mercury max min thermometer would have. Alcohol stays liquid to a much lower temperature than mercury and boils at 78 Celsius, which is much hotter than the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth.
2006-06-18 21:43:42 · answer #2 · answered by zee_prime 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the temperature of the atmosphere reaches max and min there is a two piece in the thermometer as it reaches the highest and lowest temp it remain at the point and later it can be studied to know the max and min temp.
2006-06-18 23:36:21 · answer #3 · answered by thegame1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As usual, all metallic elements will expand when heated and contract when cool down.
Thermometer (with mercury) apply the same principle.
When heated, mercury expand (going up as this is the only place left in the thermometer).
2006-06-19 05:51:56 · answer #4 · answered by Ho K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesnt quite use ideal gas laws pV=nRT sorry as its not a gas. however there is a relationship between volume (if pressure remains constant) and temperature are directly proportional so that an increase in temperature lead to a proportional increase in volume, e.g the mercury moves up the capilary. Hope this helps just remember pressure law is (pV/T)= constant
oh that means (pressure (Pa) x Volume m^3) / Temperature (K (kelvin) is always a constant as long as there isnt a change in state i think thats all you need.
2006-06-18 19:18:31 · answer #5 · answered by thejur 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simply:
its a uniform change of length of mercury column with the change in temprature
it follows the ideal gas law
2006-06-19 08:36:34 · answer #6 · answered by Kevin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has a small iron bit that records the readings. You reset it with a magnet
2006-06-19 06:19:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋