Question

why is mercury used in demonstrating anaerobic respiration? why can't we use water instead of mercury?

Answer 1

Mercury is used in respiratory experiments due to following reasons.

• It is the only metal that is found in liquid state at room temperature and is a good conductor of heat.
• It does not stick to the wall of capillary.
• It has the uniform rate of expansion and contraction.
• It can be easily obtained in pure form and its specific heat is low.

These are not satisfied by water hence not used