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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.
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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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.
What is mercury used for in a thermometer?
The thermal expansion of mercury is proportional and linear to temperature.
What type of Thermometer is most likely to contain alcohol?
A mercury-in-glass thermometer is most likely to contain alcohol. However, due to safety concerns, many modern thermometers use alcohol-based solutions or other materials instead of mercury.
What was the first liquid used in a thermometer?
The first liquid used in a thermometer was likely alcohol, specifically ethanol. Alcohol has a low freezing point and a wide range of expansion when heated, making it suitable for use in early thermometers.
Which thermometer is a greater health hazard if it breaks Is it the mercury in glass or alcohol in glass thermometer?
Mercury in glass thermometers pose a greater health hazard if broken, as mercury is a toxic substance that can be harmful if inhaled or ingested. Alcohol in glass thermometers are considered less hazardous as alcohol is not as toxic as mercury. It is still important to clean up any broken thermometer carefully to avoid injury.
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.
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.
What is in liquid in thermometer?
mostly Mercury but there are some with 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.
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.
Why is mercury preferably used in a thermometer when compared to alchol?
Mercury has a higher coefficient of expansion than alcohol, allowing for a more sensitive temperature reading. It also remains a liquid at a larger range of temperatures, making it suitable for measuring both high and low temperatures accurately. Additionally, mercury does not wet its container, ensuring a clear and consistent meniscus in the thermometer.
