Suppose you are teaching a science course and have prepared a demonstration to teach how a thermometer works. When you plunge the thermometer into hot water, one of your students points out that the mercury in the thermometer actually went down a little bit before it shot up. It behaved in such a way because
A) The water pressure squeezed in on the mercury.
B) The mercury contracted at first because of the temperature shock.
C) The glass expanded before the mercury had a chance to, creating space.
D) The thermometer lost heat to the surrounding water.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The glass of the thermometer expands when it first comes into contact with the hot water, before the mercury inside has a chance to expand. This initial expansion of the glass creates more space for the mercury, making it appear as if the mercury level drops before it begins to expand and rise in response to the heat.

Suppose You Are Teaching a Science Course and Have Prepared