Mercury
Mercury is a chemical element with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80. It is commonly known as quicksilver and is the only metal that is liquid at standard conditions for temperature and pressure. Here is a brief study guide on the topic:
Physical Properties
- State: Liquid
- Color: Silvery-white
- Melting Point: -38.83°C
- Boiling Point: 356.73°C
- Density: 13.534 g/cm3
Chemical Properties
- Mercury does not react with most acids, but it does react with concentrated nitric acid.
- It forms amalgams with other metals, which is useful in extracting gold from its ores.
- Mercury is a poor conductor of heat, but a fair conductor of electricity.
Environmental and Health Concerns
Mercury and its compounds are highly toxic and can have harmful effects on the nervous, digestive, and immune systems. It can also be harmful to the environment, with mercury pollution leading to contamination of water and food sources.
Uses
- Thermometers: Mercury was commonly used in thermometers, although its use has decreased due to its toxicity.
- Electrical Applications: It is used in some switches and rectifiers.
- Dental Amalgams: Mercury is used in dental amalgams for fillings.
- Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining: Mercury is used to extract gold from ore in many parts of the world, despite its toxicity and health risks.
Overall, while mercury has some useful properties, its toxicity and potential for environmental harm have led to decreased usage and increased efforts to find alternative materials and methods for its applications.
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