Explain why mercury is used as a thermometric substance?

Question: Explain why mercury is used as a thermometric substance?

Mercury is commonly used as a thermometric substance for several reasons:

1. Wide Temperature Range: Mercury remains in a liquid state over a broad temperature range, from -39°C to 357°C, making it suitable for measuring a wide variety of temperatures.

2. High Coefficient of Expansion: Mercury has a high coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning it expands and contracts uniformly with temperature changes. This makes it easier to detect and measure small temperature variations.

3. Non-Wetting: Mercury does not wet glass, which means it does not stick to the walls of the thermometer. This ensures that the mercury column remains consistent and accurate.

4. Visibility: Mercury is a shiny, reflective liquid, making it easy to read the temperature scale.

5. High Boiling Point: With a boiling point of 356.7°C, mercury can measure high temperatures without evaporating.

These properties make mercury an ideal choice for thermometers, despite its toxicity, which has led to the development of safer alternatives in recent years.

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