What substances can be melted in boiling water? Why are not mercury, but alcohol thermometers used in the Far North?

| September 15, 2021 | education

In boiling water, you can melt those substances whose melting (crystallization) temperature is lower than the boiling point of water, that is, below 100 ° C. For example, such alkali metals as potassium (melting point = 63 ° C), sodium (melting point = 98 ° C).

In the Far North, mercury thermometers are not used to measure the ambient temperature due to their uselessness.

Mercury, due to its physical properties, is not able to compress properly in a sealed glass bulb. She does not know how to “leave” down the scale. In addition, at a temperature of -39 ° C, mercury freezes completely.

Unlike alcohol, the freezing point of which is – 115 ° С. Therefore, colored alcohol is used in thermometers for measuring low temperatures. It shrinks well in a sealed flask – its column, in contrast to mercury, willingly “goes” down, and not just up.



One of the components of a person's success in our time is receiving modern high-quality education, mastering the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for life in society. A person today needs to study almost all his life, mastering everything new and new, acquiring the necessary professional qualities.