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They both have advantages and disadvantages:
A mercury-in-glass thermometer can measure high temperature (up to 357 0C, the boiling point of mercury; and its freezing point is -39 0C).
An alcohol-in-glass thermometer can measure low temperature (down to -115 0C, the freezing point of alcohol; and its boiling point is 78 0C.)
A mercury-in-glass thermometer can quickly response to temperature, while an alcohol-in-glass thermometer can only slowly response to temperature.
However, mercury is poisonous and alcohol is NOT poisonous. Also mercury thermometers are not allowed on aircraft.
What else can I help you with?
Which is better mercury or alcohol thermometers for low temperature measurements?
Alcohol thermometers are generally better for low temperature measurements as they have a wider temperature range, reaching lower temperatures than mercury thermometers. Additionally, alcohol is less toxic than mercury, making it safer to use in certain applications.
What are thermometers filled with besides mercury?
Thermometers can be filled with alcohol, which is a less toxic alternative to mercury. Some modern thermometers use digital sensors to measure temperature, eliminating the need for any liquid filling.
Why don't we use mercury thermometers?
Mercury is a toxic substance that can be harmful to human health and the environment if the thermometer breaks. Because of these safety concerns, mercury thermometers have largely been replaced by digital thermometers or non-mercury alternatives.
Why are thermometers made with alcohol instead of water?
Alcohol has a lower freezing point and wider temperature range compared to water, making it suitable for measuring a wider range of temperatures. Alcohol also expands more uniformly and consistently with temperature changes, providing more accurate measurements than water. Additionally, alcohol is less corrosive and evaporates more slowly than water, prolonging the lifespan of the thermometer.
What is the difference between alcohol thermometers and digital thermometers?
Alcohol thermometers use a liquid such as ethanol to measure temperature based on the expansion of the liquid, while digital thermometers use electronic sensors to detect temperature changes and provide a numerical reading. Digital thermometers tend to be more accurate and easier to read than alcohol thermometers.
Which is better mercury or alcohol thermometers for low temperature measurements?
Alcohol thermometers are generally better for low temperature measurements as they have a wider temperature range, reaching lower temperatures than mercury thermometers. Additionally, alcohol is less toxic than mercury, making it safer to use in certain applications.
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.
What was used in thermometers in 1600 instead of mercury?
Before the use of mercury, alcohol (usually ethanol or dyed spirits) was commonly used in thermometers. Alcohol thermometers were popular because alcohol has a lower freezing point than mercury, making them suitable for a wider range of temperatures.
Compare the expansion of mercury with alcohol?
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.
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.
Why do many thermometers contain alcohol?
Many thermometers contain alcohol because it is less toxic than mercury. In addition to this, the contents of an alcohol thermometer can evaporate away quickly.
Why teachers prefer to use alcohol thermometers than mercury?
Mercury, especially the vapour, is not good for health. As school thermometers are often broken, having a spill of mercury in the classroom is something best avoided.
What are thermometers filled with besides mercury?
Thermometers can be filled with alcohol, which is a less toxic alternative to mercury. Some modern thermometers use digital sensors to measure temperature, eliminating the need for any liquid filling.
Why mountaineers carry alcohol thermometer with them rather than mercury thermometer?
Mountaineers carry alcohol thermometers because they are less likely to break at high altitudes due to their flexibility, making them more durable for rugged conditions. Additionally, alcohol thermometers are safer in case of accidental breakage, as they do not contain toxic mercury like traditional mercury thermometers.
Why alchole thermometers is used in cold countries?
Alcohol thermometers are used in cold countries because alcohol has a lower freezing point compared to mercury, making it suitable for measuring low temperatures. This allows alcohol thermometers to accurately measure the cold temperatures experienced in these regions without the risk of freezing and breaking like mercury thermometers. Additionally, alcohol is less toxic than mercury, making it safer for both human health and the environment.
What is used in thermometers now instead of mercury?
Many modern thermometers use a colored alcohol solution, typically dyed red or blue, instead of mercury. These alcohol solutions have lower toxicity levels than mercury and are safer to use in household and medical applications. Other alternatives include digital thermometers that use thermistors or infrared technology to measure temperature.
Why alcohol used instead of mercury in modern thermometers?
Alcohol is used in modern thermometers instead of mercury because it is less toxic and poses less of a health and environmental risk if the thermometer breaks. Additionally, alcohol has a lower freezing point than mercury, allowing it to measure lower temperatures accurately.
