Quick Facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Hg |
| Atomic Number | 80 |
| Atomic Mass | 200.59 u |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Period | 6 |
| Group | 12 |
| Block | d |
| Electron Configuration | [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| State at 20°C | Liquid |
| Density | 13.53 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | -38.83°C (234.32 K) |
| Boiling Point | 356.73°C (629.88 K) |
| Appearance | Silvery liquid metal |
History and Discovery
Discovered by: Known since antiquity Year of Discovery: ~1500 BCE Location: Ancient Egypt and China
Etymology
Named after the planet Mercury. Symbol "Hg" from Latin "hydrargyrum" (liquid silver).
Applications and Uses
- Thermometers (declining due to toxicity)
- Dental amalgams (declining)
- Fluorescent lamps
- Industrial catalysts
- Historically: hat making, gold extraction
Safety
Mercury and its compounds are highly toxic. Minamata disease and "mad hatter" syndrome are caused by mercury poisoning.
Interesting Facts
- Only metal that is liquid at room temperature
- Ancient alchemists thought mercury could turn into gold
- "Mad as a hatter" comes from mercury poisoning in hat making
- Mercury thermometers are being phased out worldwide
- Cinnabar (HgS) has been used as a red pigment for millennia