Question

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

Answer 1

Mercury is used instead of water because of the following properties of mercury, namely:

• Mercury is a good conductor of heat and is the only metal that occurs in liquid state.
• It sticks to the capillary walls and provides accurate results.
• They can easily be obtained in its pure state.
• It has a low specific heat.