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.
.◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Eighth Grade. The Movement of Ocean Water
Study Guide
The Movement of Ocean Water 
Worksheet/Answer key
The Movement of Ocean Water Worksheet/Answer key
The Movement of Ocean Water Worksheet/Answer key
The Movement of Ocean Water Vocabulary/Answer key
The Movement of Ocean Water Vocabulary/Answer key
The Movement of Ocean Water
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
Earth/Space Science: Students will use scientific skills and processes to explain the chemical and physical interactions (i.e., natural forces and cycles, transfer of energy) of the environment, Earth, and the universe that occur over time.
Interactions of Hydrosphere and Atmosphere: Cite evidence to explain the relationship between the hydrosphere and atmosphere.
Identify and describe how the temperature and precipitation in a geographic area are affected by surface features and changes in atmospheric and ocean content: Relative location of mountains; Volcanic eruptions; Proximity to large bodies of water; Heat energy of ocean currents.
Interactions of Hydrosphere and Atmosphere: Recognize and describe the various factors that affect climate.
Identify and describe how the temperature and precipitation of an area are affected by surface and ocean features: Relative location of mountains; Proximity to large bodies of water; Warm and cold ocean currents.
Recognize and describe the global effects of volcanic eruptions, greenhouse gases, and El Nino.