Question

Which of these is not an actual gas?

(Mercury) (Nitrogem)

(Helium) (Hydrogen)

Answer 1

Here, mercury is not an actual gas.

Answer 2

Answer:

Mercury is not an actual gas.

Explanation:

The given options are:

1. Mercury

2. Nitrogen

3. Helium

4. Hydrogen

Among the given options only mercury is only metal while all the others are non-metal i.e. nitrogen, hydrogen and helium.

Mercury is found in the liquid state.

The electronic configuration of mercury is:

$\left[ Xe \right] 4f^{14}5d^{10}6s^2$

It has two electrons present in its valence shell i.e. s-subshell which is close to the nucleus.

It cannot easily lose its valence electrons as these electrons are held tightly to the nucleus. This makes Hg a poor conductor of electricity and thermal conductivity.

The atomic mass of mercury is higher than that of the other given elements which result in a higher magnitude of London dispersion forces and makes mercury liquid at normal temperature.