Question

Why mercury is used in a clinical thermometer ? Why not water? Give reason.​

Answer 1

Answer:

Mercury is the only one in liquid state at room temperature. It's used in thermometers because it has high coefficient of expansion. Hence, the slightest change in temperature is notable when it's used in a thermometer. It also has a high boiling point which makes it very suitable to measure higher temperatures.

If we use water instead of mercury in thermometers, inaccurate and discrepant results will occur due to the following reasons. (1) Water is volatile and if heat crosses its vapour point, the water will evaporate giving total inaccuracy in results.