Mercury is primarily used in electrical switches and relays, thermometers, barometers, and fluorescent lights. It is also used in the production of industrial chemicals like caustic soda and chlorine.
The aneroid barometer most commonly used today would be the tiny quartz transducers built into GPS units, sports wrist watches and the like.These would outnumber mercury column types, and other aneroid ones.
A barometer is a device used to measure atmospheric pressure. If pressure is high (good weather), then pressure on the barometer will exceed 1000 millibars. If the pressure is low (bad weather), then the pressure reading on the barometer will be below 1000 millibars.
Mercury (Hg) is the transition metal with an atomic number of 80. It is a heavy, silvery liquid at room temperature and is commonly used in thermometers, barometers, and other scientific instruments. Mercury is known for its high density and toxicity.
Water was initially used and later on alcohol was used.
Mercury is commonly used in barometers due to its high density and ability to accurately measure air pressure. However, due to its toxicity, alternatives such as water, oil, or electronic sensors are often used now.
mercury
Mercury barometers and aneroid barometers are the most commonly used types today. Mercury barometers use a column of mercury to measure atmospheric pressure, while aneroid barometers use a small, flexible metal box to detect changes in pressure.
Historical, both thermometers and barometers have used mercury.
They are more portable and can be used for airplane equipment
Barometers are typically made of glass and metal components. The glass is used for the tube containing mercury or other fluid, while the metal is used for the frame or casing to hold the glass components in place. Some modern barometers may also use electronic sensors instead of traditional components.
Science and industrial labs often use mercury filled barometers due to mercury's high density and low vapour pressure. This allows the barometers column of liquid to be less than 1 meter high (760 mm Hg=1 atmosphere). As an additional advantage the meniscus of the mercury is upwards at the center, unlike water, making accurate reading simpler. However mercury's toxic attributes make it hazardous if spilled, so mechanical diaphragm barometers are often used.
Mercury barometers are not suitable for use in altimeters because the boiling point of mercury is relatively low, which can limit their accuracy in high-altitude applications where temperatures may drop significantly. In addition, mercury is a toxic substance, posing health and environmental risks if the barometer were to break at higher altitudes. Other alternatives like aneroid or electronic barometers are commonly used in altimeters instead.
Instruments used for measuring atmospheric pressure include barometers, aneroid barometers, and electronic pressure sensors. Barometers measure pressure using a column of liquid (mercury or water) while aneroid barometers use a flexible metal capsule. Electronic pressure sensors use electronic components to capture pressure data.
Mercury is used in barometers because it has a high density, does not evaporate easily, and has a low thermal expansion. These properties make it ideal for creating a precise and stable measurement of atmospheric pressure. Water, in contrast, would evaporate easily and change density with temperature, making it less reliable for this purpose.
Please refer to the related links for an article about the uses for mercury.
Mercury was commonly used in thermometers and barometers. However, because it is poisonous, people are trying to use it in less things now.