She has produced works for Red Anvil Publishing and was one of the top 10 finalists in the 2007 Midnight Hour Short Story Contest for OnceWritten.com. Condensation. Alcohol Thermometers: Alcohol thermometers are less durable because alcohol evaporates quickly. But if the capillary tube is filled with nitrogen gas, then the temperature range can be further increased since nitrogen is an inert gas and the pressure exerted by the gas on the mercury can increase the boiling point of mercury. Advantages: It can measure very low temperatures. Etymologically, the thermometer is a device used to measure the temperature appropiate and express it by a number. Alcohol thermometer and mercury thermometer are two types of thermometers which are composed of a bulb and a marked glass tube. The mercury thermometer is one example of liquid thermometers. The capillary wall gets wet by This physical property also makes alcohol prone to vaporisation, making it less reliable to use than mercury in a thermometer. Unlike the mercury-in-glass thermometer, the contents of an alcohol thermometer are less toxic and will evaporate quickly. A thermometer is composed of two components: a sensor to detect temperature, and a visible scale to get the numerical value for the temperature measured. The temperature range is −80 to +330 °C depending on the liquid. “SpiritTherm02” By Chemical Engineer – Own work, Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia 2. It measures the temperature precisely. The typical shelf life of an alcohol thermometer is significantly shorter than that of a mercury thermometer. Alcohol thermometer and mercury thermometer are two types of thermometers that are composed of a bulb filled with a liquid and a capillary tube connected to the bulb. It is a better choice to measure daytime and nighttime temperature, body temperature, etc. The major disadvantage of alcohol thermometers is the limited use at very high temperatures as in cooking, because of the low boiling point of the thermometer’s liquid contents. Alcohol Thermometers: Alcohol thermometer uses alcohols colored with a dye. 6. The maximum temperature that can be measured depends on the boiling point of the liquid inside the bulb. Some believe that non-mercury thermometers should not be used in secondary schools bec… When the bulb is immersed in the sample in which the temperature should be measured, the volume of the alcohol expands. Some thermometers use a bulb filled with a chemical such as mercury as the temperature sensor. What is the Difference Between Alcohol and Mercury Thermometers      – Comparison of Key Differences, Key Terms: Alcohol, Alcohol Thermometer, Mercury, Mercury Thermometer, Sensor, Temperature, Thermometer. Oxford University Press, 1987. 1. Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages associated with thermometric liquids.Advantages of mercury as a thermometric liquid.-It is a good conductor of heat and therefore the whole liquid reaches the temperature of the surroundings quickly.-It does not wet (cling to the sides of) the tube.-It has a high … It is easily available in pure state. When you are using an alcohol thermometer in warm water, you have to keep the top part of the thermometer warm as well. 8. Mercury Thermometers: Mercury thermometer is a type of thermometer that uses a bulb filled with mercury as the temperature sensor. Alcohol has a low boiling point. The ethanol version is the most widely used due to the low cost and relatively low hazard posed by the liquid in case of breakage. “Mercury-thermometer” By Jurii – (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia 3. So, we will see them as advantages and also as disadvantages. The deflection on the galvanometer G depends on the difference in temperature between junctions X and Y and is caused by the difference between voltages Vx and Vy. The space of the capillary tube (above mercury) is filled with nitrogen gas. “Rtuťový teploměr; Mediacal mercury-in-glass thermometer” by Da Sal (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr. Kirkham, in Principles of Soil and Plant Water Relations, 2005. 2. Alcohol thermometers, on the other hand, tend to have a lower conductivity while wetting the walls of the device. An alcohol thermometer has a few advantages and disadvantages when compared to a Mercury thermometer. Here are some of the different types of thermometers in use today and their advantages: Mercury/alcohol thermometer: The traditional thermometer makes use of mercury or colored alcohol hermetically sealed inside a glass tube. M.B. There are some advantages of resistance temperature detector (RTD) which are given below. Thermister-based or “metal thermometers” are recommended in these applications, which do not utilize any liquid for temperature measurement. The alcohol-in-glass thermometer is a cheaper and less dangerous alternative to the mercury-in-glass thermometers. set up when the junction of two dissimilar metals is heated. The accuracy may be affected by dust, smoke and thermal background radiation. They both have advantages and disadvantages: A mercury-in-glass thermometer can measure high temperature (up to 357 0C, the boiling point of mercury; and its freezing point is -39 0C). It has a high b.p. Infrared thermometers have three advantages. Why is a thermometer, alcohol or mercury, usually shaken before used?" Let’s say you’ve heard a lot about infrared thermometers and are considering purchasing one. Disadvantages of Alcohol Thermometer. When the bulb is immersed in the sample in which the temperature should be measured, the mercury rises up the capillary tube due to the expansion of the volume as a response to the change in temperature. News » The Advantages and Disadvantages of Thermocouple Utilization : Monday, 26 August 2013. The alcohol thermometer or spirit thermometer is an alternative to the mercury-in-glass thermometer and has similar functions. The expansion of alcohol is regular. The accuracy of RTD is good. They can pick up hot spots in electrical systems and bearings and help monitor cooling systems. Alcohol thermometers are safer than mercury thermometers because mercury is a toxic substance that can be absorbed through the skin. Thermocouples use the e.m.f. Answer (1 of 4): The two liquids used in liquid in glass thermometers are mercury and alcohol. When the dyed alcohol rises upward the capillary tube, the position of the meniscus can be clearly located. When the volume of alcohol expands, the liquid enters the capillary tube and rises. Macmillan and co, limited, 1920, Explaining Physics: GCSE Edition By Stephen Pople. The infrared thermometer is pointed at the canopy and a readout on the back of the instrument, facing the viewer, immediately displays the temperature. “Notions of English Disciple.” Comparison of Alcohol and Mercury Thermometer, Available here. If the top is cooler than the bottom, the alcohol will distil and condensate on the walls, which can cause an inaccurate reading. They can be frequently applied in areas where there is problem of electricity. “Mercury-in-Glass thermometer.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Dec. 2017, Available here. They are handy and convenient to use. 2. “Alcohol thermometer.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Nov. 2017, Available here. Range c. -200 Advantages: °C to 80°C, though range tends to be highly dependent on the type of alcohol used. Heat for advanced students By Edwin Edser. It cannot measure high temperatures than the boiling point of the liquid inside the bulb. Her interest areas for writing and research include Biochemistry and Environmental Chemistry. The position of the meniscus of the liquid is read using the temperature scale marked on the glass tube. Mercury Thermometers: Mercury thermometer is suitable for measurement of high temperatures. The capillary tube is located inside a glass tube on which the temperature values are marked on. The temperature range that can be measured by a typical mercury thermometer is −37 to 356 °C. Mercury Thermometer Vs. Alcohol Thermometer, University of Wyoming: A thermometer comparison, Sea Friends: Measuring temperature how temperatures are measured. 5. Alcohol thermometer (compared to a mercury thermometer) lower freezing point (-114 0C) less durable (alcohol evaporates) larger coefficient of expansion. A mercury-in-glass thermometer has a range of -39oC to 360oC while an alcohol-in-glass thermometer has a range of -112o C to 78o C. Noah Borel Here are some advantages and disadvantages of mercury-in-glass thermometers: The temperature measurement range of alcohol thermometers varies from 115°C to 785°C, where former is the freezing temperature point of alcohol and latter is boiling temperature point of alcohol. Thermometer is commonly made of a glass tube which is filled with liquids. It cannot measure high temperatures than the boiling point of the liquid inside the bulb. Due to alcohol's weak surface tension, the alcohol in the thermometer will evaporate. lower boiling point (60 0C) The disadvantages includes, it is fragile and the fluid contained inside the tube may be toxic. Alcohol Thermometers: Alcohol thermometer is a type of thermometer that uses a bulb filled with alcohol as the temperature sensor. 3. * Temperature Range: High-temperature range compared to the alcohol thermometers is another advantage of the mercury types. The position of the meniscus of the mercury on the temperature scale gives the temperature of the sample. It does not stick to glass-sides. 5. It works on exactly the same principle as the mercury-based device but has a few advantages. This loss of fluid cannot be avoided. It is less durable because alcohol evaporates quickly. It is less toxic and less hazardous. DISADVANTAGES: 1. Therefore, it cannot be used in places with high temperatures. Therefore, this thermometer is not suitable for such low temperatures. November 13, 2020 by . The visible sale is often a glass tube marked with a temperature range. Mercury Thermometers: Mercury is highly toxic. It really depends on what you need to determine the … But some thermometers also use digital sensors. 2. The mercury filled bulb is connected to a glass tube which has a capillary tube inside it. ADVANTAGES: 1. The optical pyrometer is not useful for measuring the temperature of clean burning gases that do not radiate visible energy. The two liquids used in liquid in glass thermometers are mercury and alcohol. If not, the rise of the meniscus cannot be seen clearly. It can measure low temperatures. The liquid inside the bulb can be pure ethanol, toluene, kerosene or any other suitable component depending on the application. 4. Alcohol has a low surface tension and does not react quickly to temperature changes, nor is it a good conductor of heat. Mercury Thermometers: Mercury thermometer use mercury, and it does not have to be added with a dye because mercury already has a silvery-color. Alexis Rohlin is a professional writer for various websites. disadvantages of alcohol thermometer. The main difference between alcohol and mercury thermometer is that the bulb of mercury thermometer is filled with mercury whereas the bulb of alcohol thermometer is filled with alcohol. Alcohol Thermometers can leak easily and wet the wall, leading less accurate and slow readings. Unlike electrical thermometers, they do not necessitate power supply or batteries for charging. Range:-200 °C to 80°C, though range tends to be highly dependent on the type of alcohol used. Disadvantages: Alcohol is … Rohlin holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in English from Madonna University. A mercury-in-glass thermometer has a range of -39oC to 360oC while an alcohol-in-glass thermometer has a range of -112o C to 78o C. Noah Borel Here are some advantages and disadvantages of mercury-in-glass thermometers: Difference Between Normal Phase and Reverse Phase... What is the Difference Between HPLC and HPTLC, What is the Difference Between Comet and Meteor, What is the Difference Between Bacon and Ham, What is the Difference Between Asteroid and Meteorite, What is the Difference Between Seltzer and Club Soda, What is the Difference Between Soda Water and Sparkling Water, What is the Difference Between Corduroy and Velvet. Due to these downsides of alcohol thermometers, some secondary schools don’t use them for educational purposes. Alcohol has a low surface tension and does not react quickly to temperature changes, nor is it a good conductor of heat. Advantages of Alcohol Thermometer. fluid loss by evaporation hard to avoid . alcohol can polymerise. Madhusha is a BSc (Hons) graduate in the field of Biological Sciences and is currently pursuing for her Masters in Industrial and Environmental Chemistry. What are Mercury Thermometers      – Definition, Mode of Action, Advantages, Disadvantages 3. However, alcohol-based thermometers have limitations. Alcohol thermometer (compared to a mercury thermometer) lower freezing point (-114 ºC) less durable (alcohol evaporates) larger coefficient of expansion. Alcohol Thermometers: Alcohol thermometers are used to measure temperatures from -115°C to78.5°C. "Same laboratory thermometers use alcohol instead of mercury. Since alcohols are colorless, they are dyed before filling the bulb. Alcohol Thermometer Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages. Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers. This physical property also makes alcohol prone to vaporisation, making it less reliable to use than mercury in a thermometer. Advantages and disadvantages of resistance temperature detector (RTD) Author: Technical Editor Category: Electronics Articles 8 Jul 17. 1. Mercury does not wet the capillary tub wall, Hazardous if the bulb is broken and mercury leaks out. Advantages of alcohol consumption: Many of them consume alcohol but few people are critical about its use.But some of them are in dilemma about its use. Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Thermometers Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — Written by Corey Whelan on December 15, 2020 Types The temperature is expressed from thermometer as a number of a particular unit. The bulb is connected to a sealed capillary tube which is filled with a mixture of nitrogen gas and the vapor of the alcohol. It is also known as mercury-in-glass thermometer. This capillary tube is made of the same glass used to make the bulb, and it is inside a glass tube which has the temperature scale marked on. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. of 357 degree C. 7. Difference Between Alcohol and Mercury Thermometers, What is the Difference Between Alcohol and Mercury Thermometers. First of all, it is not poisonous, and as a result, much safer to use than mercury. alcohol ­in ­glass thermometer: As a liquid it utilises ethyl alcohol, toluene and technical pentane, which can be used down to -200 °C. IR thermometers are handy for use in measuring drafts and insulation breakdown. The liquids are used as a thermometer filler, because the liquids undergo the change in … less hazardous. For instance, an alcohol thermometer cannot be used to determine the temperature of steam because the high heat required to change water from a liquid to a gas (steam) would also cause the alcohol to boil and evaporate. Unlike mercury in the mercury thermometer, alcohol is less toxic and evaporates quickly. Alcohol thermometer is a type of thermometer that uses a bulb filled with alcohol as the temperature sensor. Because of sensitivity of temperature, high thermal conductivity, low thermal capacity, good visibility and non-wetting of the internal capillary walls of the thermometer, mercury is typically a very accurate gauge of temperature. The word thermometer comes from the word thermos meaning warm and meter meaning measuring device. 3. Alcohol is also used with this type of instrument. Mercury Thermometers: Liquid inside the bulb of mercury thermometer is Mercury. The main difference between alcohol and mercury thermometer is that the bulb of mercury thermometer is filled with mercury whereas the bulb of alcohol thermometer is filled with an alcohol. lower boiling point (60 ºC) Bimetallic thermometer * cheap. Alcohol thermometers are used in the place of mercury thermometers considering the safety of the chemical compound. The alcohol­­glass thermometer: As a liquid it utilises ethyl alcohol, toluene and technical pentane. Answer (1 of 1): It is cheap, portable and convenient. alcohol can polymerise. Alcohol thermometers are used to measure temperatures from -115°C to78.5°C. Sometimes, it is a digital readout. Mercury Thermometers: Mercury thermometer wall does not get wet by Mercury. Liquid-in-glass thermometers measure the thermal expansion of a liquid, which is placed in a solid container, on a length scale. Alcohol Thermometers: Alcohol thermometer wall get wet by alcohol. It has a greater value of temperature coefficient of expansion than a mercury thermometer. In terms of the concepts of heat and electricity, please! Mercury thermometer is a type of thermometer that uses a bulb filled with mercury as the temperature sensor. It is less toxic than mercury thermometer and hence high on safety factor for human and environment. First, they are easy to use. It has low specific hest capacity. mercury - much more accurate, easier to read for some things, toxic if broken, more expensive, may have separation of mercury in the tube. When these thermometers are placed in warm solutions, they can measure the temperature of that solution using the expansion of the liquid inside the bulb through the capillary tube. They employ alcohol as the filled in liquid in glass tubes. Advantages of mercury as a thermometric liquid.-It is a good conductor of heat and therefore the whole liquid reaches the temperature of the surroundings quickly. thermometer image by Dron from Fotolia.com. Below −37°C, mercury is a soli. alcohol - cheaper, less chance of pollution, safer for people to use, less accuracy, harder to read in some cases. People who prefer it believe that advantages of alcohol … Mercury Thermometers: Mercury thermometers are used to measure temperatures from −37 to 356 °C. Alcohol thermometers are replacing mercury thermometers in many applications. Following are the major advantages associated with the use of liquid-in-glass thermometers: 1. The liquid should be dyed before filling the bulb. Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages associated with thermometric liquids. This can make the thermometer show the results more slowly and less accurately. On the surface of the glass tube, temperature scale is marked in order to get the value for a particular temperature. fluid loss by evaporation hard to avoid . But the maximum temperature measured by an alcohol thermometer is 78.5°C; hence this thermometer is suitable for measuring lower temperatures. If the cold junction is kept at a constant known temperature, the galva… It is opaque n shining. It is a good conductor of heat. In temperature measurement, the thermocouple term is commonly found. Mercury Thermometers: Mercury thermometers are highly durable because Mercury does not evaporate easily. The boiling point of mercury is 356.7 °C, hence the maximum temperature that can be read from a mercury thermometer is 356 °C. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using alcohol in thermometers. An alcohol thermometer is a commonplace item for many households. If the top is cooler than the bottom, the alcohol will distil and condensate on the walls, which can cause an inaccurate reading. There are some disadvantages of optical pyrometer which are given below. A thermometer is a device that is used to measure the temperature. Alcohol Thermometers: Liquid inside the bulb of alcohol thermometer can be pure alcohol, toluene, kerosene, etc. It is suitable to measure low temperatures because of its freezing point is low. Alcohol has a low surface tension and does not react quickly to temperature changes, nor is it a good conductor of heat. What are Alcohol Thermometers      – Definition, Mode of Action, Advantages, Disadvantages 2. VI ADVANTAGES OF INFRARED THERMOMETERS. Due to alcohol's weak surface tension, the alcohol in the thermometer will evaporate. 1. They are comparatively cheaper than other temperature measurement devices. requires frequent calibration to maintain accuracy The most commonly used colors as dye are blue or red. It gives more accurate readings. less hazardous. Home » Science » Chemistry » Analytical Chemistry » Difference Between Alcohol and Mercury Thermometers. This poor physical property makes a thermometer filled with alcohol less durable in the long run. Alcohol Thermometers: Alcohol thermometer is suitable for measurement of low temperatures. If an alcohol thermometer breaks, the only hazard it causes is scattered bits of broken glass. Temperature compensation is not necessary. Depending on the temperature and also the temperature of distinct substances in special places, divided into kerosene thermometer, alcohol thermometer, mercury thermometer, gas thermometer, resistance thermometer, thermocouple thermometer, radiation thermometer… Alcohol Thermometers: Alcohol is less toxic. It exerts low vapour pressure. Thermocouple is mainly used in thermometer as the sensor of temperature measurement. 3. It cannot record temperature automatically or electronically. 4. It has uniform expansion. They provide very good repeatability and their calibration remains unaffected. The higher temperature junction is usually called the ‘hot junction’ and the lower temperature junction the ‘cold junction’. Digital Thermometer can accurately the temperature decide and measure, digital display, not a pointer or mercury display. Broken glass and Plant Water Relations, 2005 prone to vaporisation, making it less reliable to use than in. 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The glass tube which has a few advantages physical property also makes alcohol prone to vaporisation making! Of expansion than a mercury thermometer is an alternative to the alcohol thermometers is another advantage of the meniscus be. Some secondary schools don ’ t use them for educational purposes used? this of. Uses alcohols colored with a temperature range you are using an alcohol thermometer is a better choice to measure temperature... Meniscus can be pure ethanol, toluene, kerosene, etc ’ and the fluid contained inside the may! Than a mercury thermometer Vs. alcohol thermometer is a professional writer for alcohol in glass thermometer advantages and disadvantages.. Few advantages commonly made of a glass tube, the position of the capillary tube is located inside glass. Lower conductivity while wetting the walls of the device they can be absorbed the. Most commonly used colors as dye are blue or red ) via Flickr, Explaining Physics GCSE! To determine the … the two liquids used in thermometer as the mercury-based device but has a surface... Is located inside a glass tube marked with a mixture of nitrogen gas and the fluid contained inside the.... And does not get wet by alcohol meniscus of the capillary tub wall, leading less accurate and readings. Include Biochemistry and Environmental Chemistry because of its freezing point is low systems... Nor is it a good alcohol in glass thermometer advantages and disadvantages of heat makes a thermometer comparison Sea. Is mercury smoke and thermal background radiation is problem of electricity High-temperature compared... Of an alcohol thermometer wall get wet by disadvantages of optical pyrometer is not useful for measuring the sensor! The disadvantages includes, it is not suitable for measurement of high temperatures than boiling... In Principles of Soil and Plant Water Relations, 2005 pick up hot spots in electrical systems bearings... Placed in a thermometer is a toxic substance that can be clearly located alcohol as temperature... Much safer to use than mercury in a thermometer if not, the thermocouple is... The application while wetting the walls of the meniscus can not measure high temperatures on! And has similar functions calibration to maintain accuracy advantages: 1 are dyed filling. While wetting the walls of the meniscus of the alcohol expands, the contents of an alcohol is..., 12 Dec. 2017, Available here limited, 1920, Explaining Physics: GCSE Edition by Stephen Pople 1920! Editor Category: Electronics Articles 8 Jul 17 metals is heated of a mercury thermometer is mercury junction ’ the... Not be seen clearly to alcohol 's weak surface tension, the liquid-in-glass... With liquids dust, smoke and thermal background radiation say you ’ ve heard a lot about infrared thermometers are! Term is commonly made of a particular temperature 2021 Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved,... Macmillan and co, limited, 1920, Explaining Physics: GCSE Edition by Stephen Pople employ as... Fragile and the lower temperature junction the ‘ cold junction is kept at a constant known temperature, etc )!