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Alcohol is non-toxic, economically more viable and can be easily dyed to make it more visible in the capillary tube when it undergoes thermal expansion or contraction, hence it is used in laboratory thermometers. The alcohol used is not absolute ethanol however (ethanol has a boiling point of 78 degrees Celsius, while laboratory thermometers can measure up to 110 degrees Celsius); larger chain alcohols (e.g. isopropyl alcohol) would suggestibly be preferable in this context.

This is, however, an obsolete approach to measuring temperature - today, more accurate quantification of temperature may be achieved through temperature sensitive probes with digital readouts.

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Why is mercury used in clinical thermometer and not laboratory thermometer?

Mercury is no longer used much in thermometers due to the poisonous compounds that it forms. When I grew up, in Chemistry at school and at the doctors there were mercury thermometers and alcohol thermometers.


Is it a solid liquid or gas found in a thermometer?

Actually anything that won't freeze or boil at the operating range of the thermometer. The most common are mercury and alcohol.


Some laboratory thermometer use alcohol instead of mercury what are the advantages and disadvantges of using alcohol in thermometer?

Advantages of using alcohol in a thermometer include being less toxic than mercury, having a lower freezing point, and a wider temperature range. However, disadvantages include having a lower boiling point than mercury, being more flammable, and having a lower density which can affect accuracy.


What year was laboratory thermometer invented?

The laboratory thermometer was invented in 1654 by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Ferdinand II. The thermometer was designed by Ferdinando II de' Medici's court physician, Santorio Santorio.


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.

Related Questions

Is alcohol used for clinical thermometers or laboratory thermometers?

Alcohole is not used for any thermometer only murcury (Hg) is used


Define a laboratory thermometer in 2 sentences.?

A laboratory thermometer is a device for measuring temperature ranges. It can take the form of a manual (mercury or alcohol) or electronic (digtal).


What is a laboratory thermometer?

A laboratory thermometer is used to check the temperature, or changes in temperature, of an object with precise accuracy.


What is the laboratory thermometer used for?

Measuring the temperature.


What is the used laboratory thermometer?

Measuring the temperature.


What is an alcohol thermometer used for?

An alcohol thermometer is used to measure temperature by the expansion and contraction of the alcohol in the thermometer's tube. It is commonly used in lab settings, homes, and industries to measure temperature accurately within a specific range.


What liquids are used in thermometer?

Mercury and alcohol


What is in the laboratory thermometer?

There are many kinds of thermometer in use. Liquid in glass thermometers usually contain alcohol (dyed red or blue) or mercury (silvery coloured).


What is the function of thermometer in laboratory?

A thermometer is used for measuring accurate temperatures. Also using the degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius.


Can alcohol be used in a thermometer?

Yes, it can and you can purchase thermometers which use alcohol.


What is the tip of a laboratory thermometer called?

The tip of a laboratory thermometer is called the bulb. It contains the temperature-sensitive element, usually mercury or alcohol, which expands and contracts based on changes in temperature, allowing for accurate temperature readings.


What is the difference between clinical thermometer and laboratory thermometer?

Laboratory thermometers can measure wide variety of temperature, whereas a clinical thermometer has a range between 95 to 105 Fahrenheit. Clinical thermometers are made to be used in a hospital to accurately determinebody temperature. They are often digital. Lab thermometers are made of metal or glass and usually don't give you an accurate reading as much as a "ball park". Clinical thermometer may have mercury but lab thermometers usually have alcohol .