2006-12-01 03:22:59 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Within the constraints of being a fluid, mercury is a good thermal conductor. However other elements conduct heat better but their state creates difficulties. Gold is better than mercury but being a solid we would need to create a different device to be able to use it and would probably need to create a bi-metallic coil similar to those used within thermostats. Alcohol is also used but is slightly less efficient than mercury as it heats and cools more rapidly than mercury. If an element is not thermal conductive, it would be unable to adjust to temperature changes and thus unable to render readings.
2006-12-01 03:34:22 · answer #1 · answered by Frank 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't matter. The conductability is merely the speed at which the heat passes.
If you want a 'fast' thermometer, then yes, it woudl be important, but if you just want a standard thermometer, then who cares.
2006-12-01 11:26:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes of course. They are designed to accurately and efficiently tell the temperature. If heat isn't conductive in it then it'll either take forever to tell us what the temperature is or it it won't tell us at all.
2006-12-01 11:25:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋