In a max/min thermometer, the bulb at the top reading the minimum temperature contains what?

In a max/min thermometer, the bulb at the top reading the minimum temperature contains what?

• A. Mercury
• B. Water
• C. Alcohol
• D. Vacuum

Answer: (C)

In a max/min thermometer, two different liquids are used so each part can accurately record extreme values. The bulb that shows the minimum temperature uses alcohol because it stays liquid at lower temperatures where mercury would freeze and stop moving. Alcohol also expands and contracts noticeably in the narrow capillary, giving a clear, readable minimum reading. Mercury works well for higher temperatures, but its tendency to freeze makes it unreliable for capturing the lowest temperatures.

In a max/min thermometer, two different liquids are used so each part can accurately record extreme values. The bulb that shows the minimum temperature uses alcohol because it stays liquid at lower temperatures where mercury would freeze and stop moving. Alcohol also expands and contracts noticeably in the narrow capillary, giving a clear, readable minimum reading. Mercury works well for higher temperatures, but its tendency to freeze makes it unreliable for capturing the lowest temperatures.