Question

Gallium thermometers are high-temperature thermometers. (a) Why can't they be used near room temperature? (b) Propose a reason why mercury thermometers cannot be used to measure temperatures in the upper range of gallium thermometers.

Name: Problem 53, Chapter 27: Chemistry
Uploaded: 2021-11-13T08:18:18-08:00
Duration: 1 min 21 s
Channel: Adriano Chikande
Description: Gallium thermometers are high-temperature thermometers. (a) Why can't they be used near room temperature? (b) Propose a reason why mercury thermometers cannot be used to measure temperatures in the upper range of gallium thermometers.

   Gallium thermometers are high-temperature thermometers. (a) Why can't they be used near room temperature? (b) Propose a reason why mercury thermometers cannot be used to measure temperatures in the upper range of gallium thermometers.

Chemistry

Kenneth W. Whitten,… 10th Edition

Chapter 27, Problem 53

Instant Answer

Solved by Expert Adriano Chikande

11/13/2021

Step 1

Gallium is a metal with a melting point of 29.78 degrees Celsius. This means that below this temperature, gallium will be in a solid state. Show more…

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Gallium thermometers are high-temperature thermometers. (a) Why can't they be used near room temperature? (b) Propose a reason why mercury thermometers cannot be used to measure temperatures in the upper range of gallium thermometers.

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Key Concepts

Phase Transitions and Melting Points

This concept refers to the temperatures at which a substance changes its state, such as from solid to liquid. In the context of thermometers, it is crucial that the working liquid remains in the liquid state over the intended temperature range. Gallium, for instance, has a melting point very near room temperature, which means it may be solid at or below those conditions and thus unsuitable for accurate measurements in that range.

Boiling Points and Operating Temperature Range

This concept involves the upper limit of a thermometer's temperature range, determined by the boiling point of the liquid contained within it. A thermometer liquid must not boil during normal operation; if it does, measurement becomes unreliable or unsafe. Mercury has a boiling point that is lower than the high temperatures measured by gallium thermometers, making mercury thermometers unsuitable for use in the upper range intended for gallium.

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