Problem involving mercury thermometer

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the spacing between °C marks on a mercury thermometer containing 7.5 mL of mercury, with a cross-sectional area of 1.2 mm² and a volume expansion coefficient of 1.81 x 10-4 °C−1. The formula used is ΔV = βV0ΔT, leading to a calculated volume change (ΔV) of 4.0725 mm³ for a temperature change (ΔT) of 1°C. The next step involves determining the change in height by relating the volume change to the cross-sectional area of the thermometer tube.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermal expansion concepts
  • Familiarity with volume calculations in mm³
  • Knowledge of basic geometry related to cross-sectional areas
  • Proficiency in applying the formula ΔV = βV0ΔT
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the change in height using the formula: height = ΔV / area
  • Research the properties of mercury as a thermometric fluid
  • Explore the effects of temperature on the volume expansion of liquids
  • Learn about the design considerations for thermometers
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics or engineering, particularly those focusing on thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, as well as educators preparing lessons on thermal expansion and measurement tools.

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Homework Statement


A mercury thermometer contains 7.5 mL of mercury. If the tube of the thermometer has a cross-sectional area of 1.2 mm2, what should the spacing between the °C marks be? (The volume expansion coefficient for mercury is 1.81 x 10-4 °C−1.)



Homework Equations


ΔV=βV0ΔT

The Attempt at a Solution


I set ΔT = 1, converted the mL into mm3.

I got ΔV = [5.43*(10-4)](7500)(1) = 4.0725 mm3.
However, I don't know what to do with the area!
 
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What do you get if multiply the cross sectional area by the change in height?
 

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