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Mercury

Mercury. Background. A dense silvery liquid The only common metal liquid at ordinary temperatures Fair conductor of electricity K nown to ancient Chinese & Hindus before 2000 BC Found in tubes in Egyptian tombs from 1500 BC

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Mercury

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  1. Mercury

  2. Background • 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

  3. Natural Occurrence • Not usually found free in nature • Found in very small amounts in oceans, rocks, soil • Rare element in Earth’s crust • Mainly found as cinnabar (HgS) – Mercury (II) sulfide in Spain & Italy

  4. Extraction • 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) + 3O2(g)  2HgO(s) + 2SO2(g) 2HgO(s)  2Hg(l) + O2(g) • Mercury vapour is evolved, which is condensed to give the familiar dense silvery liquid

  5. Uses • 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. Environmental Impact • 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 methylmercuryexposure to humans

  9. Health Impacts • 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

  10. References • Basic Information. (n.d.). EPA. Retrieved February 6, 2014, from 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 • 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/

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