It's just so hot where I'm at I got curiose.
2006-06-27 11:57:39 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
When the temperature rises, the particles of the mercury in the thermometer gain kinetic energy. This means that they start moving around more vigorously. The particles push away neighbouring particles. This increases the space between the particles and causes an increase in the volume of a mercury. Expansion is said to have occured.
2006-06-27 19:22:05 · answer #1 · answered by MO 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Heat causes the Mercury (or whatever liquid) to expand. As it expands in the little tube it takes up more room and shows the temperature.
2006-06-27 19:01:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mercury is not used as much in typical thermometers these days, different liquid alloys are often used, but I suppose similar thermodynamic principles apply the more current substances as well.
2006-06-28 18:54:28 · answer #3 · answered by Robert S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heat is molecules and atoms all bouncing around. The more they bounce around the hotter it is. As the temp goes up, the atoms in the mercury in the thermometer bounces around more and more, and the mercury expands out and goes up the thermometer. As it cools, they bounce around less and the mercury contracts. Got it?
2006-06-27 19:00:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The heat causes it to expand (just like other substances (such as air) expand/contract based on heat)
2006-06-27 19:01:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Expansion due to heat
2006-06-29 11:14:58 · answer #6 · answered by Me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question........could never remember iwhether it is the cold or the heat which makes it do so.
2006-06-28 19:48:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
expansion of mercury. please read a thermodynamics book -> PV=zRT
2006-06-27 19:09:09 · answer #8 · answered by I have a cool cat !! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋