Weight Vs. Volume Question

[kschachn]

I have a fuzzy memory of a Model Garage story in Popular Science wherein Gus Wilson confounds the town grump, Silas Barnstable, by mixing water and alcohol-based antifreeze, and getting less total volume than the sum of the parts.

It's obviously an old story, as "permanent" (ethylene glycol- based) antifreeze has been around for a long time.

Yes I remember doing something similar in freshman chemistry to illustrate a liquid in liquid solution.

Imagine his surprise had they demonstrated a liquid in solid solution. We did it with a mercury into silver solution but I doubt classes do that today.

 

[bunnspecial]

Imagine his surprise had they demonstrated a liquid in solid solution. We did it with a mercury into silver solution but I doubt classes do that today.

I might or might not have demonstrated that in the past...

I also keep a stash of mercury thermometers handy. I don't generally trust students with them, but cheap spirit thermometers like the ones we have are awful. If a student gets a temperature for something that seems wonky, out I come with a mercury thermometer to double check it.

Not to sidetrack too much, but IMO now that mercury is naughty, liquid-in-glass thermometers really are on borrowed time. For research/high precision purposes I'm fine with a quality electronic thermometer, as I am with mercury. I have little use for spirit thermometers other than as a teaching aid to show how to read a thermometer.

 

[vavavroom]

I might or might not have demonstrated that in the past...

I also keep a stash of mercury thermometers handy. I don't generally trust students with them, but cheap spirit thermometers like the ones we have are awful. If a student gets a temperature for something that seems wonky, out I come with a mercury thermometer to double check it.

Not to sidetrack too much, but IMO now that mercury is naughty, liquid-in-glass thermometers really are on borrowed time. For research/high precision purposes I'm fine with a quality electronic thermometer, as I am with mercury. I have little use for spirit thermometers other than as a teaching aid to show how to read a thermometer.

I better hold on to my mercury thermometers.