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Question 1:

Mercury thermometers are commonly used to measure:

A) Atmospheric pressure
B) Relative humidity
C) Temperature
D) Electric current

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Explanation: The correct answer is C) Temperature. Mercury thermometers are widely used to measure temperature. The expansion and contraction of the mercury column within the thermometer provide a reliable indication of the temperature of the surroundings.

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Question 2:

What is the physical state of mercury in a mercury thermometer?

A) Solid
B) Liquid
C) Gas
D) Plasma

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Explanation: The correct answer is B) Liquid. Mercury in a mercury thermometer is in its liquid state. Mercury is unique in that it remains in a liquid state at room temperature and is well-suited for use in thermometers due to its high thermal expansion coefficient.

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Question 3:

Why is mercury often chosen as the liquid in thermometers?

A) It has a high boiling point
B) It has a low freezing point
C) It has a wide temperature range of measurement
D) It is chemically inert

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Explanation: The correct answer is C) It has a wide temperature range of measurement. Mercury is commonly used in thermometers because it has a wide temperature range over which it remains in a liquid state. This allows mercury thermometers to measure temperatures ranging from extremely low (-38.83°C) to high (356.73°C).

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Question 4:

Mercury thermometers are considered hazardous due to:

A) Their fragility
B) Their low accuracy
C) The toxicity of mercury
D) Their inability to measure below freezing temperatures

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Explanation: The correct answer is C) The toxicity of mercury. Mercury is a highly toxic substance, and exposure to mercury can have serious health effects. Broken or damaged mercury thermometers can release mercury vapor or liquid, posing a risk to human health and the environment. Due to this toxicity, the use of mercury thermometers has been significantly reduced and replaced with safer alternatives in many applications.

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Question 5:

Which of the following is a suitable alternative to mercury thermometers?

A) Alcohol thermometers
B) Barometer thermometers
C) pH meters
D) Hydrometer thermometers

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Explanation: The correct answer is A) Alcohol thermometers. Alcohol thermometers are commonly used as an alternative to mercury thermometers. Alcohol, typically ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, is used as the liquid in these thermometers. They are safer than mercury thermometers as alcohol is less toxic, but they have a narrower temperature range compared to mercury thermometers.