Mercury
By: Milano Apaez
Name of element and how it got its name.
- Mercury is known for its Greek name, hydrargrum, which means "liquid silver"-to reflect its shiny surface. The element is also known as quicksilver for its mobility. Which is normally named after the fastest-moving planet in the solar system.
Symbol, atomic number and atomic mass
- Symbol: Hg
- Atomic Number: 80
- Atomic Mass: 200.59 amu
where its found and in what form
- Mercury is not usually found free in nature and is primarily obtained from the mineral cinnabar (Hg). Spain and Italy produce about half of the world's supply of Mercury. Mercury can be found and made out of thermometers, barometers and other scientific instruments.
Melting point, Boiling point, and Density
- Melting point: -38.87 C (234.28K, -37.966 F).
- Boiling point: 356.58 c (629.73K, 673.966 F).
- Density: 13.456 g/cm.
Abundance Mercury
- 0.067 ppm.
Fun Facts about mercury
- Mercury looks pretty shiny, and fast-moving liquid, but don't touch it! It can be extremely poisonous to humans. Mercury has been known to humanity for ages. in fact, evidence of its use has been found in China, India, and Egypt, and traces of mercury were found in 3,500-year-old Egyptian tombs.
Uses of Mercury
- Mercury is used in laboratories for making thermometers, barometers, diffusion pumps, and many other instruments. It is used for mercury switches and other electrical apparatus. It is used as an electrode in some types of electrolysis and for making batteries (mercury cells).
Sources of Mercury
- Natural sources of mercury include volcanoes, forest fires, cannabar (ore) and fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum
Family and period on the periodic table
- Mercury is found in the 6th period, and is in the 12th family