Difference between revisions of "Mercury (element)"
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| Line 8: | Line 8: | ||
| cstructure= | | cstructure= | ||
| color= silvery | | color= silvery | ||
| − | | date= | + | | date= ~2000 BCE |
| discname= N/A | | discname= N/A | ||
| origname= Mercury (Roman God) | | origname= Mercury (Roman God) | ||
Revision as of 03:53, October 15, 2012
| Mercury | |
|---|---|
| Properties | |
| Atomic symbol | Hg |
| Atomic number | 80 |
| Atomic mass | 200.59 |
| Other Information | |
| Date of discovery | ~2000 BCE |
| Name of discoverer | N/A |
| Name origin | Mercury (Roman God) |
| Uses | Various |
| Obtained from | Cinnabar |
Mercury (symbol Hg), also known as quicksilver, is a metallic element with the atomic number of 80. It is the only metal that is liquid at room temperatures.
Mercury can be found in air, water, and soil. It exists in several forms: elemental or metallic mercury, inorganic mercury compounds, and organic mercury compounds.
Mercury is used in some thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, and some electrical switches. Mercury is poisonous when ingested, and some countries are phasing out its use (see mercury controversy).