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Mercury expands more evenly than alcohol. This is why thermometers that contain mercury are more accurate than those that contain alcohol. However, alcohol freezes at a temperature much lower than mercury, so it is better used in thermometers in extreme cold conditions.

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10y ago
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6mo ago

Mercury expands less with temperature changes compared to alcohol, which has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion. This means that alcohol is more sensitive to temperature changes and exhibits greater expansion and contraction when heated or cooled.

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13y ago

mercury contracts and expands faster than alcohol

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11y ago

Mercury does.

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Q: Compare the expansion of mercury with alcohol?
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Related questions

Can mercury and alcohol mixed to become a thermometer?

Yes, mercury and alcohol can be used in thermometers. Traditional thermometers use mercury due to its high thermal expansion properties, while alcohol thermometers may be preferred in some applications for their lower toxicity. Both substances are suitable for measuring temperature changes due to their thermal expansion properties.


Why is alcohol found in the school's thermometer instead of mercury?

Because the thermal expansion is higher from alcohol (ethanol) and then it's more precise.


Differences between mercury and alcohol thermometers?

Alcohol is used to measure at low temperatures because it has a lower freezing point than Mercury. Mercury has a higher boiling point than alcohol, mercury boils at around 400 Co and alcohol boils around 80 C0.


This instrument is often filled with mercury colored water or alcohol?

The instrument you are referring to is likely a thermometer. Thermometers are commonly filled with either colored alcohol or mercury to measure temperature changes based on the expansion or contraction of the liquid inside.


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.


What liquids are used in thermometer?

Mercury and alcohol


How does thermal expansion relate to a thermometer?

Thermal expansion refers to the increase in size of a substance as its temperature rises. In a thermometer, thermal expansion is utilized by materials such as mercury or alcohol to expand and contract based on temperature changes, allowing the thermometer to measure and display the temperature.


What is in liquid in thermometer?

mostly Mercury but there are some with alcohol


Why is Mercury used in thermometers instead of alcohol?

Mercury has a higher coefficient of expansion compared to alcohol, which leads to a more precise measurement of temperature. Mercury is also less affected by changes in atmospheric pressure and does not evaporate easily, making it a more reliable substance for use in thermometers.


Is mercury denser than alcohol?

Yes, mercury is denser than alcohol. The density of mercury is about 13.6 times greater than the density of alcohol.


What are the disadvantages of using alcohol in a thermometer?

The disadvantages of using alcohol in a thermometer include its narrow temperature range compared to mercury, lower thermal expansion coefficient leading to less sensitive readings, and its tendency to evaporate more easily, which can affect accuracy over time. Additionally, alcohol is more flammable than mercury, posing a fire hazard.


Why alcohol used in laboratory thermometers instead of mercury?

Alcohol-based thermometers are used in labs because alcohol has a lower freezing point than mercury, making them suitable for lower temperature measurements. Additionally, alcohol is less toxic than mercury, reducing potential health and safety risks in laboratory settings.