Mercury

Mercury is a chemical element and the only common metal which is liquid at ordinary temperatures. It is commonly known as quicksilver and is heavy, silvery-white liquid metal. Mercury is a transition metal, where one of the elements found between Group 2 (II A) and 13 (III A) on the periodic table.
As a chemical element, mercury cannot be created or destroyed. The same amount has existed on the planet since the earth was formed. Mercury, however, can cycle in the environment as part of both natural and human activities. Mercury metal also found many new applications in electrical devices and electrochemistry. Mercury metal is a volatile liquid; it has a measurable vapor pressure at room temperature. It has high surface tension and is a very good conductor of electricity since it is a transition metal due to its free electrons.
Mercury is a liquid metallic element of many useful applications. It is also an element with properties hazardous to the environment and workplace, and corrosive to many materials. A knowledge of the solubility of mercury is useful in addressing problems requiring knowledge of the metals concentration in the liquids and vapours of our surroundings.
Mercury can be used to produce thermometers, barometers, and other scientific tools. Mercury conducts electricity, and is used to make switches dependent on position and silence. Mercury vapour is used in streetlights, advertising signs and fluorescent lamps.
Category:Element