Mercury Element Properties and Information
Mercury Element Properties and Information
Mercury is 80th element on the periodic table. Elements are arranged in the periodic table on the basis of the atomic number. Atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of the atom. Mercury has an atomic number of 80. It is located in the Group 12 and Period 6 of the periodic table of elements. It is denoted by the symbol ‘Hg’. The element is named after the planet, Mercury.
Mercury is one among those metals which has been used by mankind since ancient times; dated as early as 15000 BC.
Mercury is a very rare element whose concentration in Earth’s crust is only 0.08 ppm. It does not mix well with other elements; hence mercury is found in abundance in mercury rich ores. Mercury is also found in elemental form in Cinnabar (mercury sulfide) ores.
Physical Properties
- Mercury is the only metal which is liquid at STP. It has silver appearance.
- The atomic mass of mercury is 200.59.
- The melting point of mercury is -38.9°C.
- The boiling point of mercury is 356.6°C.
- The density of mercury is 13600 in S.I. units at 20°C.
- Solid mercury is ductile & malleable in nature. It can be cut using a knife.
- Mercury has 7 stable isotopes.
Chemical Properties
- Mercury does not react with dilute acids but gets oxidized by concentrated acids.
- Mercury dissolves many metals to form an alloy, this alloy is called amalgam.
- Mercury compounds exist in 2 oxidation states; +1 & +2.
Methods of Production
Extraction: The cinnabar ores are crushed and then heated in a current of hot air. This causes the mercury to get oxidized and then the vapour is condensed to obtain mercury in liquid form.
Relevance in Chemical & Related Industries
Chloralkali process: Mercury is used as cathode and the sodium forms in the process as an amalgam of mercury which is further processed to obtain sodium hydroxide. This is by far the largest use of mercury produced worldwide.
Relevance in Related Industries
- Cosmetics: Mercury, in the form of thiomersal is used in Mascara.
- Firearms: Mercury(II) fulminate is used as a primer of cartridge in firearms.
- Laboratory instruments: Sphygmomanometers, barometers, diffusion pump, etc take advantage of mercury’s property of high density and linear thermal expansion.
- Propellant: Mercury was used in ion-engines as a propellant because it has high molecular weight, high liquid density, low ionization energy, etc.
Health Effects on Exposure
- Nervous system: Inhalation of mercury vapours and accumulation near the nervous system disrupts its functioning and can even damage the brain function.
- Organic mercury: The orgono-mercuric compounds are highly toxic in nature; they all should be handled with care and only by trained personals. Even contact with few droplets is capable of killing that person.
- Reactions: Contact with mercury causes allergic reactions, skin rashes, headaches, and tiredness.
- Reproductive system: Accumulation of mercury in organs of reproductive system leads to sperm damage and miscarriages. If baby is born then there is a possibility of birth defects.
Effects on Exposure
- Surface waters: Some organic compounds can be absorbed very quickly by fish and other aquatic animals. It not only harms them but also accumulates in the food chain.
- Organ damage: Mercury consumption is liable to cause damage to several organs of animals; kidney, nerves, reproductive organs, etc.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)
