Why is mercury used in thermometers?a)It volume is proportional to squ...
Why Mercury is Used in Thermometers
Mercury has been a traditional choice for thermometers for several reasons, primarily related to its physical properties.
Linear Variation with Temperature
- Mercury exhibits a linear relationship between its volume and temperature.
- This means that as temperature increases or decreases, the expansion or contraction of mercury is consistent and predictable.
- This linear behavior allows for accurate temperature readings across a range of temperatures.
Physical Properties of Mercury
- Mercury remains in liquid form over a wide temperature range (-39°C to 356°C), making it suitable for various applications.
- It has a high coefficient of expansion, meaning it expands significantly when heated, allowing for more precise measurements.
Visibility and Non-Wetting
- Mercury has a shiny, reflective surface, which makes it easy to read against the scale of the thermometer.
- Unlike other liquids, mercury does not wet the glass, ensuring that it retracts quickly after a temperature measurement. This property allows for easy and accurate readings.
Safety Considerations
- While mercury is toxic and poses health risks, its physical properties have historically made it a preferred choice for thermometers. However, alternatives are being developed due to safety concerns.
In summary, the choice of mercury in thermometers primarily hinges on its linear variation in volume with temperature, combined with other beneficial properties that enhance the accuracy and usability of temperature measurement devices.
Why is mercury used in thermometers?a)It volume is proportional to squ...
For measuring temperature in a thermometer we need a substance whose physical properties change with temperature and can be easily related with temperature. Mercury’s volume increases linearly with increase in temperature and hence we can create a scale on the thermometer accordingly.