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Alcohol is non-toxic, economically more viable and can be easily dyed to make it more visible in the capillary tube when it undergoes thermal expansion or contraction, hence it is used in laboratory thermometers. The alcohol used is not absolute ethanol however (ethanol has a boiling point of 78 degrees Celsius, while laboratory thermometers can measure up to 110 degrees Celsius); larger chain alcohols (e.g. isopropyl alcohol) would suggestibly be preferable in this context.

This is, however, an obsolete approach to measuring temperature - today, more accurate quantification of temperature may be achieved through temperature sensitive probes with digital readouts.

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Alcohol is used in laboratory thermometers because it has a low freezing point (-114Β°C) and a wide temperature range over which it remains liquid. This allows the thermometer to accurately measure temperatures within a wide range. Additionally, alcohol is non-toxic and has a low viscosity, allowing for easy movement through the capillary tube.

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Q: Why is alcohol used in laboratory thermometer?
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Why is mercury used in clinical thermometer and not laboratory thermometer?

Mercury is used in clinical thermometers because it has a high thermal expansion coefficient, making it sensitive to small temperature changes which is important for accurately measuring body temperature. In laboratory thermometers, other liquids like alcohol or special oils are used because they have lower toxicity levels compared to mercury. Mercury can be hazardous if the thermometer breaks, so safer alternatives are preferred in laboratory settings.


Some laboratory thermometer use alcohol instead of mercury what are the advantages and disadvantges of using alcohol in thermometer?

Advantages of using alcohol in a thermometer include being less toxic than mercury, having a lower freezing point, and a wider temperature range. However, disadvantages include having a lower boiling point than mercury, being more flammable, and having a lower density which can affect accuracy.


Is it a solid liquid or gas found in a thermometer?

A liquid, typically mercury or alcohol, is found in a thermometer.


What year was laboratory thermometer invented?

The laboratory thermometer was invented in 1654 by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Ferdinand II. The thermometer was designed by Ferdinando II de' Medici's court physician, Santorio Santorio.


Why a laboratory thermometer use alcohol instead of mercury?

Alcohol has a lower freezing point than mercury, making it suitable for use in lower temperature environments. Additionally, alcohol is less toxic than mercury, making it safer in case of accidental exposure. Alcohol is also a good conductor of heat and has a larger coefficient of expansion, allowing for a more responsive and accurate temperature measurement in laboratory settings.

Related questions

Is alcohol used for clinical thermometers or laboratory thermometers?

Alcohole is not used for any thermometer only murcury (Hg) is used


Define a laboratory thermometer in 2 sentences.?

A laboratory thermometer is a device for measuring temperature ranges. It can take the form of a manual (mercury or alcohol) or electronic (digtal).


What is a laboratory thermometer?

A laboratory thermometer is used to check the temperature, or changes in temperature, of an object with precise accuracy.


What is the used laboratory thermometer?

Measuring the temperature.


What is the laboratory thermometer used for?

Measuring the temperature.


What is an alcohol thermometer used for?

An alcohol thermometer is used to measure temperature by the expansion and contraction of the alcohol in the thermometer's tube. It is commonly used in lab settings, homes, and industries to measure temperature accurately within a specific range.


What liquids are used in thermometer?

Mercury and alcohol


What is the function of thermometer in laboratory?

A thermometer is used for measuring accurate temperatures. Also using the degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius.


What is in the laboratory thermometer?

There are many kinds of thermometer in use. Liquid in glass thermometers usually contain alcohol (dyed red or blue) or mercury (silvery coloured).


What is the difference between clinical thermometer and laboratory thermometer?

A clinical thermometer is designed to measure human body temperature while a laboratory thermometer is used for general laboratory applications like monitoring chemical reactions or other experiments. Clinical thermometers usually have a narrower temperature range and higher precision compared to laboratory thermometers.


What is the tip of a laboratory thermometer called?

The tip of a laboratory thermometer is called the bulb. It contains the temperature-sensitive element, usually mercury or alcohol, which expands and contracts based on changes in temperature, allowing for accurate temperature readings.


Why is mercury used in clinical thermometer and not laboratory thermometer?

Mercury is used in clinical thermometers because it has a high thermal expansion coefficient, making it sensitive to small temperature changes which is important for accurately measuring body temperature. In laboratory thermometers, other liquids like alcohol or special oils are used because they have lower toxicity levels compared to mercury. Mercury can be hazardous if the thermometer breaks, so safer alternatives are preferred in laboratory settings.