Question

Mercury and Alcohol are two common liquids used in thermometers. The boiling point of MERCURY is 357 degree C, while its freezing point is -39 degree C; For ALCOHOL, the boiling point is 78 degree C and the freezing point is -80 degree C; It is required in a laboratory to make measurements which are in the region of -60 degree C. Which type of thermometer would be more suitable? (ASSET)

Answer 1

Alcohol

Explanation:

Alcohol would be more suitable for making measurements in a -60 degree laboratory, since its boiling point is 78 degrees and its freezing point is -80 degrees, meaning alcohol will not freeze in a -60 degree environment.

Mercury on the other hand, has a freezing point of -39. Thus, it will freeze in a -60 degree environment, making it not suitable for use in this laboratory.