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Fly_High
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Why the mercury in glass-laboratory thermometer doesn't stick to glass?
Cesium said:Viscosity more has to do with how much the molecules of a liquid "stick" to each other and not to another substance like glass. Mercury doesn't adhere to glass well because it's nonpolar while glass is polar.
Fly_High said:Why the mercury in glass-laboratory thermometer doesn't stick to glass?
Water is polar and it doesn't andhere to glass.
Because Hg-Hg bonds in the liquid metal are much stronger than Hg-glass bonds, so mercury prefers to stay...with itself (it's an introverted)Fly_High said:Why the mercury in glass-laboratory thermometer doesn't stick to glass?
Mercury is a liquid metal with very low surface tension, meaning it does not easily stick to other surfaces. In addition, the glass used in laboratory thermometers is specifically designed to have a smooth surface that minimizes friction, allowing the mercury to easily slide up and down the thermometer.
Yes, it is normal for there to be a small gap between the mercury and the glass in a laboratory thermometer. This is due to the expansion and contraction of the mercury with changes in temperature, causing it to pull away from the glass slightly.
In rare cases, the mercury in a glass thermometer may appear to be stuck to the glass. This is usually due to a buildup of dirt or residue on the inside of the glass, preventing the mercury from freely moving. Cleaning the thermometer with a gentle soap and water solution should solve this issue.
The mercury serves as the measuring element in a glass laboratory thermometer. As it expands or contracts with changes in temperature, it moves up or down the thermometer, providing a precise measurement of the temperature.
Yes, a glass thermometer can be used for both hot and cold temperatures. However, it is important to note that extreme temperatures (above 500°C or below -38°C) can cause the glass to crack or the mercury to evaporate, rendering the thermometer unusable.