Why is Mercury Used in Thermometers?

Answer: Mercury is used within thermometers due to numerous reasons. Mentioned below are the reasons:

1. Mercury is considered to be a good conductor of heat. Therefore, Mercury level tends to indicate the temperature accurately and quickly.
2. Mercury is known to be opaque as well as bright. Thus, it is capable of moving freely within the capillary glass tube.
3. Mercury possesses a great conductivity. Hence, Mercury expands quickly and tends to display the temperature adjustment swiftly.
4. Mercury doesn’t get easily vaporised even at less temperature.
5. Mercury is a metal. Therefore, it is a good conductor of heat. This applies that Mercury reacts at a faster pace to temperature changes.