Question

Prepare a project report on the element Mercury based on its occurrence,
properties and usage (with the help of pie chart or bar graph) in everyday life.

Answer 1

MERCURY

It is a chemical element represented by the symbol Hg and has the atomic number 80 in the periodic table. It is a D-block element. Its appearance is shiny and silver in colour present in the form of liquid. The electronic configuration of Mercury is $4f^{14}$$5d^{10}$$6s^{2}$.

OCCURENCE:

Mercury is present as mostly cinnabar in deposits throughout the world. It is an extremely rare element in the earth's crust. Its average abundance is only 0.08 parts per million mass. The richest ores of mercury only hold 2.5% mercury mass. And the least deposit found is 0.1% mercury. Along with cinnabar, it can be also found in native metal which is rare, metacinnabar, sphalerite, corderoite, livingstonite, and other minerals.

PROPERTIES:

• Mercury is silvery-white in colour.
• Present in the form of liquid.
• It is heavy in weight.
• Conducts electricity fairly.
• Does not conduct heat as compared to other metals.
• The melting point of Mercury is -38.8290°C.
• The boiling point of Mercury is 356.73°C.
• A unique kind of electronic configuration can be found in the case of Mercury as the electrons fill all the available subshells. And this kind of configuration resists the removal of electron very strongly.
• It behaves similarly to noble gases.
• Forms weak bonds.
• Does not react with most acids.
• Dissolves many metals such as gold and silver.

USAGE

• In thermometers.
• Barometers
• Sphygmomanometers
• Float valves
• Mercury switches
• Florescent lamps
• As an ingredient in dental amalgams
• Used in medicines
• In laboratories is sometimes used to form transit telescope's mirror
• In calomel electrodes
• Used in some neon signs as well, etc.