What is the most commonly used type of thermometer that ceases to be satisfactory after -36 degrees?

The mercury thermometer is widely recognized as the most commonly used type of thermometer for various temperature measurements. However, it has a limitation in performance at very low temperatures. Specifically, mercury freezes at about -38.83 degrees Celsius, which makes it unsuitable for measurements below this threshold. Once the temperature drops to around -36 degrees Celsius, it can become difficult to obtain accurate readings because the mercury can begin to solidify and not function as intended.

In contrast, while thermistors and fluid-in-metal thermometers may have their own specific uses, mercury thermometers are especially known for their traditional application in everyday settings where temperatures might reach very low levels but not fall below the freezing point of mercury. Alcohol thermometers, on the other hand, have a lower freezing point than mercury and can be used effectively at colder temperatures. This makes them more suitable for applications where temperatures below -36 degrees Celsius need to be measured, but they are not as commonly used as mercury thermometers in many general settings.

Thus, the mercury thermometer's characteristics and limitations make it distinctly identifiable in this context, solidifying its position as the correct answer in this scenario.