Question

Why is mercury used instead of water in the experiment to demonstrate anaerobic respiration

Answer 1

While performing and demonstrating the working of anaerobic respiration, mercury is immensely used due to its metallic nature while in its liquid state.

Also, it is said to be a perfect heat conductor.

Another reason is its sticky nature on the capillary wall that allows a user to extract accurate results.

Then, the contraction and expansion nature is uniform.

Answer 2

Answer:

Mercury is used in experiments on anaerobic respiration because it does not contain dissolved oxygen, this maintaining an oxygen-free environment so anaerobic respiration can be carried out. Water, on the other hand, contains dissolved oxygen.