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Mercury and aluminum
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)#Mercury_and_aluminium
Mercury readily combines with aluminum to form a mercury-aluminum amalgam when the two pure metals come into contact. However, when the amalgam is exposed to air, the aluminum oxidizes, leaving behind mercury. The oxide flakes away, exposing more mercury amalgam, which repeats the process. This process continues until the supply of amalgam is exhausted, and since it releases mercury, a small amount of mercury can "eat through" a large amount of aluminum over time, by progressively forming amalgam and relinquishing the aluminum as oxide.
Aluminium in air is ordinarily protected by a molecule-thin layer of its own oxide, which is not porous to oxygen. Mercury coming into contact with this oxide does no harm. However, if any elemental aluminum is exposed (even by a recent scratch), the mercury may combine with it, starting the process described above, and potentially damaging a large part of the aluminum before it finally ends.[48]
For this reason, restrictions are placed on the use and handling of mercury in proximity with aluminum. In particular, mercury is not allowed aboard aircraft under most circumstances because of the risk of it forming amalgam with exposed aluminum parts in the aircraft.
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Does mercury stay in the tube or escape into the air?
Mercury stays contained in the tube of a mercury thermometer when in use. It does not escape into the air as long as the thermometer is intact. However, if the thermometer is broken or improperly disposed of, mercury vapor can be released into the air, which is harmful to health.
How is mercury in a thermometer poisonous?
Mercury in a thermometer is poisonous if it is inhaled or ingested. When a thermometer breaks, mercury vapor can be released into the air, which can be harmful if breathed in. Additionally, if mercury is ingested, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause poisoning.
Why the mercury can not rise in a lab thermometer if there is air in the glass tube?
Mercury does not rise in a lab thermometer if there is air in the glass tube because the presence of air creates pressure within the tube that opposes the expansion of the mercury. Without a vacuum, the air pressure prevents the mercury from moving freely up the tube in response to changes in temperature.
Why does a red thermometer smell?
A red liquid inside a thermometer, often colored with mercury or alcohol, can emit a metallic smell when exposed to air as these substances are volatile. The smell is more noticeable when the thermometer is broken or if the liquid is spilled, releasing the odor into the air.
Who made the first mercury thermometer?
Galileo invented an air thermometer in about 1600, but changes in atmospheric pressure made accurate measurement difficult. Liquids were quickly used instead and Gabriel Fahrenheit was the first to use alcohol (1709) and mercury (1714), in a thermometer.
Does mercury stay in the tube or escape into the air?
Mercury stays contained in the tube of a mercury thermometer when in use. It does not escape into the air as long as the thermometer is intact. However, if the thermometer is broken or improperly disposed of, mercury vapor can be released into the air, which is harmful to health.
What happens to the mercury in the thermometer when the air gets warm?
mercury explodes
How is mercury in a thermometer poisonous?
Mercury in a thermometer is poisonous if it is inhaled or ingested. When a thermometer breaks, mercury vapor can be released into the air, which can be harmful if breathed in. Additionally, if mercury is ingested, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause poisoning.
What happens to the mercury in the thermometer when the air is cool?
When the air is cool, the mercury in the thermometer contracts and moves down the narrow tube because it is less dense when cold. This causes the temperature reading on the thermometer to drop, indicating a decrease in temperature.
What is a mercury filled glass tube that measures air temperature called?
A mercury-filled glass tube that measures air temperature is called a mercury thermometer.
Is there air in a glass thermometer?
Yes, above the mercury or the other liquid.
What causes mercury in a thermometer to separate?
The cause is an udesired absorption of air.
Why the mercury can not rise in a lab thermometer if there is air in glass tube?
Because the pressure of air may be greater than the pressure of the ascending Mercury.
What is mercury contained in a tube used to measure air temperature called?
thermometer
Why the mercury can not rise in a lab thermometer if there is air in the glass tube?
Mercury does not rise in a lab thermometer if there is air in the glass tube because the presence of air creates pressure within the tube that opposes the expansion of the mercury. Without a vacuum, the air pressure prevents the mercury from moving freely up the tube in response to changes in temperature.
Why the reading of thermometer is taken when the mercury stop expanding?
The mercury will expand and rise up the thermometer tube until it reaches the temperature of the air around it. When it stops expanding, it is the same temperature as the air, and therefore gives an accurate reading.
How do you test the temperature of the air?
You can test the temperature of the air using a thermometer designed for measuring air temperature. Simply place the thermometer in the area where you want to measure the temperature and read the display. Be sure to avoid blocking the airflow around the thermometer for an accurate reading.
