Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
The bulb of a thermometer holds of mercury, and its capillary tube has a cross-section of . How far does the mercury thread move for each kelvin, ignoring the glass? How long is the scale from to ? Allowing for the glass (), how far for each kelvin?
Thermal expansion: , , with for solids. Steel ; mercury .
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. Per kelvin. .
Step 2. Scale. .
Step 3. With the glass. .
Answer: for each kelvin; ; for each kelvin allowing for the glass.
Watch out. A thin tube turns a tiny change of volume into a long movement: that is the point of a thermometer.
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