Why do we usemecury in thermometers? Can water be used be water instead of mercury?what are the problems using it ?
Answers
Answer:
In a mercury thermometer, a glass tube is filled with mercury and a standard temperature scale is marked on the tube. With changes in temperature, the mercury expands and contracts, and the temperature can be read from the scale. Mercury thermometers can be used to determine body, liquid, and vapor temperature.
We can measure the negative and positive temperature by using the mercury but we can't measure with water. Below 0oC and above 100oC can't measure by using the water. The most metals are solids at room temperature but the mercury is liquid form because it has high coefficient of expansion.
The small silvery ball in a mercury thermometer can be dangerous if the glass breaks and the mercury is not cleaned up properly. The mercury will evaporate and can contaminate the surrounding air and become toxic to humans and wildlife.