2006-09-12 06:22:21 · 11 answers · asked by zaneta R 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Its volume as a liquid expands greatly with heat. So the little amount of mercury at the bottom of the thermometer takes more place, goes up the tube along the temperature.
It also has a high fusion point so you can measure high temperature without fear of it boiling.
2006-09-12 06:24:57 · answer #1 · answered by TonySti 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Mercury is used because it is one of only a few elements that remain liquid at room temperature and it is easy to see. All liquids expand when warmed, but we don't necessarily notice this with a glass of milk or water that has warmed up. That's why a mercury or (bulb) thermometer is so narrow, the change or expansion is easily noticed. Glass works as a great conductor of temperature and the liquid inside expands or contracts relevant to the heat or cold. The medical profession has made serious progress in phasing out mercury thermometers because of the dangers of exposure. Mercury is highly toxic to humans, affecting the nervous system and other vital functions.
2006-09-12 06:35:49 · answer #2 · answered by hgheartland 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's liquid at room temperature, but its expansion can be correlated to a linear scale on the tube of the thermometer. Due to the toxic properties of mercury, it is now largely being replaced with alcohol thermometers. Some communities or hospitals will have exchange programs available where you can bring in old mercury thermometers and they will give you an alcohol or digital thermometer, and safely dispose of the mercury.
2006-09-12 06:43:31 · answer #3 · answered by cdf-rom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the three stable motives for utilising mercury in a thermometer are: a million this is a liquid that expands flippantly because it receives warmer. 2. this is liquid over a stable selection of temperature -39 to 357 C. So it is going to degree greater tempertures than an alcohol thermometer. 3 this is opaque and glossy so makes it basic to study the themometer. the foremost downside with mercury is this is poisonous and if the thermometer is broken the mercury spilled provides off a poisonous vapour.
2016-12-15 06:48:47 · answer #4 · answered by nurdin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because that particular thermometer is calibrated for mercury! Any other liquid would give false readings.
It's not, however, the only liquid used.
Did you know that, in at least one Ecuadoran big-city neighborhood, breaking a mercury thermometer and giving a feverish child a small amount of the mercury is considered an appropriate treatment for fever? Yes, I am telling the truth. Yikes! (Now THAT is alternative!)
2006-09-12 06:28:30 · answer #5 · answered by LazlaHollyfeld 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it's fun to play with when you BREAK the thermometer! I can remember rolling the mercury around in my hands. And guess what? NO MERCURY POISONING!!!!!
2006-09-12 06:47:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mercury expands and contracts rapidly and efficiently depending the temperature the metal's at. Alcohol is also good to use, but is less precise and takes longer to give out a reading.
2006-09-12 06:25:42 · answer #7 · answered by flammable 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
mercury's response to temperature is easier to see than other liquids'.
Has something to do with mercury's unique characteristics.
2006-09-12 06:30:57 · answer #8 · answered by Bud V 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it is very sensitive to the temperature of the environment and the temperature makes it stretch and shorten in a constant way so you can monitor it.
2006-09-12 06:28:49 · answer #9 · answered by Embliri Trex 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as you know water canot show tempertures below zero because it freezes but mercury freeze point is so less that it can even show -10'c also its true about high temperatures
2006-09-12 06:27:44 · answer #10 · answered by amin s 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋