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Elemental Mercury changes to solid-state at -38.8oC, so anything below that will not be recorded. Most places in the world, this isn't important, but at both poles temperatures can drop below this temperature, so for accurate temperature recording, a mercury thermometer is inappropriate.

That said, if it's for your own personal use, the difference between -38 and -40 is irrelevant, it's just plain cold!

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What is temperature measured with?

Temperature is typically measured using a thermometer. Thermometers can use various mechanisms to determine temperature, such as expansion of liquids (like mercury or alcohol), electrical resistance, or infrared sensors.


What apparatus used to measure temperature?

A thermometer is the most common apparatus used to measure temperature. It typically contains a liquid such as mercury or alcohol that expands or contracts in response to temperature changes, allowing the user to read the temperature from a scale. More modern thermometers may use digital technology to provide temperature readings.


What would happen if you used a clinical thermometer to measure a hot drink?

Using a clinical thermometer to measure a hot drink can result in inaccurate readings as most clinical thermometers are not designed to measure temperatures of hot drinks. This can damage the thermometer and give false temperature values. It is recommended to use a thermometer specifically designed for measuring high temperatures in such cases.


Is a higher resolution on a thermometer better?

A higher resolution on a thermometer means that it can measure smaller changes in temperature, which can be useful in certain situations where precise temperature readings are needed. However, for general household use, a standard resolution thermometer would be sufficient.


What mineral makes up a thermometer?

Mercury is the mineral that is traditionally used in thermometers because of its unique properties, such as its high thermal expansion and conductivity. However, due to its toxicity, digital thermometers now use safer alternatives like alcohol or digital sensors.

Related Questions

Why would you use alcohol thermometer rather then a mercury thermometer in the north pole?

because it would turn to ice and alcohol wouldn't


Is it safe to use rubbing alcohol in a simple thermometer?

No, it is not safe to use rubbing alcohol in a simple thermometer. Rubbing alcohol is a disinfectant and can affect the accuracy of the thermometer readings. It is recommended to use a thermometer as per the manufacturer's instructions.


Why do we use coloured alcohol in room thermometer?

The colour makes the alcohol easier to see inside the thin glass thermometer.


Can alcohol be used in a thermometer?

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


Who was the first to use coloured alcohol in a thermometer?

Olaus Roemer


How much rubbing alcohol do use for thermometers?

To clean a thermometer with rubbing alcohol, it is generally recommended to use enough alcohol to wet a cotton ball or pad. You can then gently swab the thermometer with the alcohol-soaked cotton to disinfect it before rinsing with water.


Would you rather use alcohol or Mercury in a thermometer?

Alcohol is a safer choice for a thermometer liquid as it is not as toxic as mercury, making it safer for both human health and the environment. Mercury can be harmful if it leaks or is accidentally ingested, whereas alcohol is less harmful if exposed.


What is the advantage and disadvantage of using alcohol in thermometer?

u don't have to flick the thermometer to reset the temperature reading when you use an alcohol based thermometer (unlike a mercury thermometer where you have to flick and flick and flick flick flick that thermometer for the mercury to be reset so that you can make an accurate reading) a disadvantage is that the alcohol thermometer is slightly less acurate The biggest advantage is that alcohol is not nearly as toxic as mercury, so that if the thermometer breaks, you won't be poisoned.


What liquid metal was commonly used in thermometer?

We still use colored alcohol for our liquid in everyday thermometers.


If you want to get the temperature of the water what instrument will you use?

I would use a thermometer.


What liquid is found in a clinical thermometer?

The liquid in a clinical thermometer is often mercury. But there are thermometers that use a coloured alcohol.


What is the use of alcohol thermometers?

alcohol thermometer is used to measure very low temperature.i.e.-112*c