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Specialty Chemistry Forums => Materials and Nanochemistry forum => Topic started by: bobqu on June 08, 2021, 06:07:28 PM

Title: Broken Thermometer
Post by: bobqu on June 08, 2021, 06:07:28 PM

Hi All!
I have broken a thermometer and I don't know whether it is a mercury one or gallium one. This is how it looks like. It sticks to glass but not easily had to smudge it few times. My guts says it is gallium one... but just to sleep calmly I want double check with you all. Picture in attachment.

Thanks for help in advance!

Title: Re: Broken Thermometer
Post by: Orcio_87 on June 08, 2021, 06:49:09 PM

Try adding few drops of HCl. Galinstan (alloy of gallium, indium and tin) should react and H₂ should be visible. Mercury does not react with HCl.