A dense silvery liquid The only common metal liquid at ordinary
temperatures Fair conductor of electricity Known to ancient Chinese
& Hindus before 2000 BC Found in tubes in Egyptian tombs from
1500 BC Chemical symbol from Greek word hyrdagyrum, meaning liquid
silver Background
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Not usually found free in nature Found in very small amounts in
oceans, rocks, soil Rare element in Earths crust Mainly found as
cinnabar (HgS) Mercury (II) sulfide in Spain & Italy Natural
Occurrence
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Readily extracted from this Mercury (II) Sulfide by roasting
the ore in air Oxide is formed, but this dissociates at the
temperature used: 2HgS(s) + 3O 2 (g) 2HgO(s) + 2SO 2 (g) 2HgO(s)
2Hg(l) + O 2 (g) Mercury vapour is evolved, which is condensed to
give the familiar dense silvery liquid Extraction
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1.Mercury Used to make scientific instruments thermometers,
barometers Conducts electricity used to make silent, position
dependent switches Mercury vapour used in streetlights, fluorescent
lamps, advertising signs Uses
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2. Alloys Mercury easily forms alloys with other metals gold,
silver, zinc, cadmium Alloys called amalgams Used to help extract
gold from its ores, create dental fillings, extend life of dry cell
batteries
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3. Compounds Forms useful compounds with other elements
Mercuric chloride is a very poisonous salt and was once used to
disinfect wounds Mercurous chloride is an antiseptic used to kill
bacteria Mercuric sulfide used to make red pain pigment called
vermilion Mercuric Oxide used to make mercury batteries
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When mercury is exposed in the air, it settles down into water
or onto land Certain microorganisms can change it into a highly
toxic methylmercury It builds up in fish, shellfish, and other
animals that eat fish These are the main sources of methylmercury
exposure to humans Environmental Impact
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High levels of exposure can harm brain, heart, kidneys, lungs,
& immune system of people of all ages Harmful effects on
animals include death, reduced reproduction, slower growth &
development, abnormal behavior Health Impacts
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Basic Information. (n.d.). EPA. Retrieved February 6, 2014,
from http://www.epa.gov/hg/about.htm
http://www.epa.gov/hg/about.htm Jefferson, T. (n.d.). The Element
Mercury. It's Elemental -. Retrieved February 6, 2014, from
http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele080.html
http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele080.html Why Is Mercury
Important?. (2004, July 15). Why is Mercury Important?. Retrieved
February 7, 2014, from
http://www.mercuryinschools.uwex.edu/mercury/about.htm Winter, M.
(n.d.). Mercury. WebElements Periodic Table of the Elements.
Retrieved February 8, 2014, from
https://www.webelements.com/mercury/ References