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I would guess it is probably due to the fact that water has a none linear thermal expansion (Its thermal expansion coefficient at 20C is not the same as at 90C). Also, at atmospheric pressure, water is only liquidus over a narrow temperature range of 100C which limits its usefulness. Further it has massive problems at phase transitions- for instance when it turns to a gas it consumes a lot of energy (latent heat). A thermometer should have a nice linear response to a rise in temperature. Mercury is a better choice since it doesnt have any phase transitions in the temperature experience in most every day situations. -Just a bit toxic.

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15y ago

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Related Questions

What else can be used in a thermometer instead of mercury?

Alcohol, usually with a red dye in it


What is Mercury thermometer use to measure?

A mercury thermometer is used to measure temperature.


What liquids are used in thermometer?

Mercury and alcohol


What is the name of the liquid in which thermometer is dipped?

The liquid in which a thermometer is typically dipped is called mercury. Mercury is commonly used in old-style thermometers, but newer thermometers may use alcohol or other liquids instead.


Why does Mercury in the the thermometer rise?

Mercury rises in a thermometer when the temperature increases because mercury expands as it heats up. This expansion of the mercury column inside the thermometer is used to measure the temperature of the surrounding environment.


Why can a mercury thermometer be used only at high temperatures?

A mercury thermometer can go down to -30 deg C


Why is mercury used in a thermometer why not green water?

Water does not change as much in volume with temperature as much as Mercury does, which makes it more difficult to read temperature Changes on a scale.


Who element used of the glass tube of clinical thermometer to measure thermometer?

mercury


How is mercury used in a thermometer?

toxic poison


What happen to the mercury when the bulb placed in hot water?

When a thermometer bulb containing mercury is placed in hot water, the mercury inside expands, causing the level of mercury to rise. This expansion of mercury is used to measure the increase in temperature accurately.


What is the mercury called on a clinical thermometer?

The liquid in a clinical thermometer is called mercury. It is used to measure body temperature by expanding and rising within the thermometer.


Why does the mercury in the thermometer go up when the temperature is high?

In a mercury thermometer, the mercury expands when it is heated, causing it to rise in the thermometer's narrow tube. This increase in volume is a physical property of mercury known as thermal expansion. The height of the mercury column in the thermometer is then used to measure the temperature.