Characteristics of mercury the element
Why is the element mercury so important?
As a good conductor of electricity, mercury is often used in many products such as switches and batteries. It is used to amalgamate gold and silver in small scale mining activities because it readily combines with other metals.
What are 5 uses of mercury?
Uses of Mercury
Because of its high-density, mercury is used in thermometers, barometers, manometers, sphygmomanometers, float valves, mercury switches, mercury relays, fluorescent lamps and other devices.
Why is mercury toxic?
The inorganic salts of mercury are corrosive to the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tract, and may induce kidney toxicity if ingested. Neurological and behavioural disorders may be observed after inhalation, ingestion or dermal exposure of different mercury compounds.
What does mercury do spiritually?
They believe it can ward off evil spirits, bring good luck, or cast love spells. It is also sometimes used for medicinal purposes. Potential Hazards: Even low levels of mercury exposure may cause negative health effects.
What happens if mercury touches gold?
Freddie Mercury may have had the golden voice, but real mercury, that endlessly entertaining and dangerous liquid metal, has the golden touch. That is, if it touches gold it will immediately break the lattice bonds of the precious metal and form an alloy in a process known as amalgamation.
What is unusual about mercury element?
A heavy, silvery d-block element, mercury is the only metallic element that is known to be liquid at standard conditions for temperature and pressure; the only other element that is liquid under these conditions is the halogen bromine, though metals such as caesium, gallium, and rubidium melt just above room …
How does mercury poison the body?
The inhalation of mercury vapour can produce harmful effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs and kidneys, and may be fatal. The inorganic salts of mercury are corrosive to the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tract, and may induce kidney toxicity if ingested.
How is mercury used in everyday life?
Mercury can be used to make thermometers, barometers and other scientific instruments. Mercury conducts electricity and is used to make silent, position dependent switches. Mercury vapor is used in streetlights, fluorescent lamps and advertising signs.
What are 5 characteristics of lead?
Lead is a bluish-white lustrous metal. It is very soft, highly malleable, ductile, and a relatively poor conductor of electricity. It is very resistant to corrosion but tarnishes upon exposure to air. Lead isotopes are the end products of each of the three series of naturally occurring radioactive elements.
Why is lead toxic?
Exposure to high levels of lead may cause anemia, weakness, and kidney and brain damage. Very high lead exposure can cause death. Lead can cross the placental barrier, which means pregnant women who are exposed to lead also expose their unborn child. Lead can damage a developing baby’s nervous system.
What is lead poisoning caused by?
Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in older buildings are common sources of lead poisoning in children. Other sources include contaminated air, water and soil. Adults who work with batteries, do home renovations or work in auto repair shops also might be exposed to lead.
What is the symbol of mercury?
Indeed, mercury’s chemical symbol, Hg, derives from the Latin name for the element, hydrargyrum–literally, liquid silver.
Why is Mercury’s symbol Mercury?
The chemical symbol for Mercury is Hg. Mercury was named after the Roman god. Its chemical symbol (Hg) comes from hydrargyrum from the Greek word hydrargyros meaning ‘water’ and ‘silver’. Mercury is classified as a “Transition Metal” as it is ductile, malleable, and is able to conduct heat and electricity.
Is water an element?
Water is a compound because it is made up of water molecules. There is no such thing as water atoms. Water molecules are made of hydrogen and oxygen atoms, in the definite proportion of two hydrogens for one oxygen.
What is mercury known for?
Fastest Planet
The closer a planet is to the Sun, the faster it travels. Since Mercury is the fastest planet and has the shortest distance to travel around the Sun, it has the shortest year of all the planets in our solar system – 88 days.
Is mercury toxic?
All Mercury is Toxic
Although some forms of mercury are more dangerous than others, all are toxic. Depending on the type and amount, exposures to mercury can damage the nervous system, kidneys, liver and immune system. Breathing mercury vapors can harm the nervous system, lungs and kidneys.
What is mercury made of?
Instead of an atmosphere, Mercury possesses a thin exosphere made up of atoms blasted off the surface by the solar wind and striking meteoroids. Mercury’s exosphere is composed mostly of oxygen, sodium, hydrogen, helium, and potassium.