2006-12-01 18:02:09 · 5 answers · asked by .... 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Mercury responds more quickly to a change in temperature, I believe. It also is more consistant over a larger range of temperatures. Still, it's a bad idea. Mercury is very toxic.
2006-12-01 18:06:42 · answer #1 · answered by Nicknamr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mercury rises more evenly and gives a better indication of temperature
it is less volatile so the vapor above the liquid doesn't interfere as much giving more accurate temperatures
Mercury from broken thermometers is very hard to clean up completely. It likes to get into the cracks and crevices of things and needs to be vacuumed out. You can't just throw it away, either. It has to be disposed of as a hazardous material and that is VERY expensive.
Alcohol is cheaper and not a cleanup hazard. Most uses for thermometers do not require the accuracy of mercury so alcohol thermometers are good for general lab work.
2006-12-02 15:39:17 · answer #2 · answered by The Old Professor 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the mercury is metal and is more accurate, the alcohol will not hurt you like the toxic mercury if it breaks,
2006-12-02 02:16:35 · answer #3 · answered by Loki 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cheaper, safer
but not as accurate as mercury thermometers.
2006-12-02 02:08:22 · answer #4 · answered by summation 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because mercury is toxic
so the advantage is pretty obvious =) =) =)
2006-12-02 02:04:29 · answer #5 · answered by bug m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋