Hg
Mercury is the only metallic element liquid at standard temperature and pressure.
Physical Properties
| Atomic Mass | 200.59 u |
| Density | 13.5336 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 234.32 K |
| Boiling Point | 629.88 K |
| Appearance | Silvery metallic liquid |
| State at Room Temp | Liquid |
Chemical Properties
| Electronegativity | 2.0 (Pauling) |
| 1st Ionization Energy | 1007.1 kJ/mol |
| Electron Affinity | -48.0 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation States | +1, +2 |
Atomic Properties
| Electron Configuration | [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 |
| Atomic Radius | 151.0 pm |
| Covalent Radius | 132.0 pm |
| Van der Waals Radius | 155.0 pm |
Discovery
| Discovered By | Known since antiquity |
| Location | Various (ancient Egypt, China) |
| Named After | Named after the planet Mercury; symbol Hg from Latin 'hydrargyrum' meaning liquid silver |
About Mercury
Mercury is a heavy, silvery-white liquid metal known since ancient times. Mercury and its compounds are highly toxic, causing neurological damage. Dental amalgam containing mercury was once common but has been largely phased out due to health and environmental concerns.
Uses & Applications
Fluorescent lighting, scientific instruments (being phased out), artisanal gold mining, and industrial chemical processes.
Fun Fact
Mercury is so dense that a cannonball would float on its surface.
Isotopes
| Mass Number | Abundance | Half-Life | Stable |
| 198 | 0.0997% | - | Yes |
| 199 | 0.1687% | - | Yes |
| 200 | 0.231% | - | Yes |
| 202 | 0.2986% | - | Yes |
Electron Configuration
[Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2