Mercury
MER-kyoo-ri
Mercury (Hg) is a liquid silver coloured metal that has the atomic number 80 in the periodic table. It is a Transition metal in Group 12. It has the symbol Hg.
Mercury was known to humans as far back as the Ancient Egyptians and its name originates from the alchemy movement after the planet Mercury. It’s symbol Hg derives from the Latin Hydragyrum which translates as liquid silver. It is a toxic metal and was used as a medicine for many years. Mercury is good at conducting electricity and is use in electrical switches and also can be used in nuclear reactors. It is also used in the production of chlorine and gold. Mercury exists as an ore in the earth’s crust in the ore Cinnabar. It is a liquid metal at room temperature with a melting point of -38°c and a boiling point of 356°c.
FAQ's
Known to the ancients.
265 BC
Uses
Used in thermometers, barometers, and batteries. Also used in electrical switches and mercury-vapor lighting products.
Sources
Virtually all mercury comes from cinnabar or mercury sulfide (HgS). Some sources of red cinnabar are so rich in mercury that droplets of elemental mercury can be found in random samples.
About the author
Nathan M
Nathan has a degree in BSc Biomedical Chemistry at Warwick University and a degree in PGCE Science at Wolverhampton University, UK. Nathan's subject matter ranges from general chemistry and organic chemistry. Nathan also created the curriculum on Breaking Atom in the course page.
Citation
Hg
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