Question

In experiment No. 5, we are using mercury in the test-tube and beaker. Why can’t we use water instead?

Answer 1

• Mercury is a chemical element and the only common metal which is a liquid at ordinary temperatures.​
• Mercury does not sticks to the capillary walls and provide accurate results.
• If water was used in place of mercury, the $C{O}_2$ would dissolve in water and no change in the level of water would be detected.