Why is Alcohol Used in Thermometers Instead of Water?

Alcohol is used in thermometers because it has a lower freezing point than water. This means that it can be used to measure a wider range of temperatures than water alone. Alcohol is also less dense than water, so it is less likely to stick to the sides of the thermometer

There are other reasons why alcohol might be used in a thermometer. For example, it is a clear liquid, so it is easy to see the temperature reading. Alcohol is also less likely to evaporate than water, so it can be used to measure temperatures over a longer period of time.

Why do we use mercury and alcohol in thermometer instead of water?

The main reason mercury is used in thermometers is because it has a very high boiling point. This means that it can be used to measure a wide range of temperatures. Mercury is also dense, so it is less likely to evaporate than alcohol.

There are some drawbacks to using mercury in thermometers. For example, mercury is a toxic substance, so it needs to be handled carefully. It is also difficult to see the mercury in the thermometer, so it can be hard to read the temperature accurately.

Why is mercury preferred over alcohol?

There are a few reasons why mercury is preferred over alcohol for certain applications.

One reason is that mercury is a more effective solvent than alcohol. This means that it can dissolve more substances, making it ideal for certain chemical processes.

Another reason is that mercury is less flammable than alcohol. This is important in applications where there is a risk of fire or explosion.

Finally, mercury is less toxic than alcohol. This is important for applications where human exposure is possible, as mercury is less likely to cause health problems than alcohol.

Under what conditions is it better to use alcohol instead of mercury in thermometer?

In general, mercury is the preferred choice for thermometers due to its superior accuracy and stability. However, there are some circumstances where alcohol may be a better choice.

For example, alcohol is a better choice than mercury for use in low-temperature applications. This is because mercury will freeze at lower temperatures than alcohol, which can cause inaccurate readings.

Another circumstance where alcohol may be a better choice is in applications where the thermometer will be exposed to vibration. This is because mercury is a liquid, and therefore can be affected by vibration more than alcohol, which is a solid.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of alcohol as a thermometric liquid?

Alcohol is often used as a thermometric liquid because it has a number of advantages. For one, alcohol is less dense than water, so it is easier to pour and measure. Additionally, alcohol has a lower freezing point than water, so it can be used in lower temperatures. Finally, alcohol evaporates quickly, so it is less likely to leave residue on the surface being measured.

There are some disadvantages to using alcohol as a thermometric liquid as well. For one, alcohol is flammable, so it must be used with caution. Additionally, alcohol is a volatile liquid, so it can easily evaporate and cause inaccurate readings.