Mercury (Hg)
Mercury (Hg) is element 80, a transition metal. Atomic mass 200.592, configuration [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s². Properties, isotopes, oxidation states, uses and history, with an interactive 3D atom model.
Key facts
| Atomic number | 80 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Hg |
| Standard atomic weight | 200.592(3) |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Group | 12 |
| Period | 6 |
| State at room temperature | Liquid |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² |
| Valence electrons | 2 |
| Common oxidation states | +1, +2 |
| Common ions | No common ions |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.9 |
| First ionization energy | 1007 kJ/mol |
| Atomic radius | 150 pm |
| Density | 13.53 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | -38.83°C |
| Boiling point | 356.73°C |
| Specific heat | 0.14 J/(g·°C) |
Natural isotopes
- Hg-196: Stable
- Hg-198: Stable
- Hg-199: Stable
- Hg-200: Stable
- Hg-201: Stable
- Hg-202: Stable
- Hg-204: Stable
Common uses
- Thermometers (historical)
- Dental amalgam
- Fluorescent bulbs
Where it matters
- Environmental Toxicology (Minamata disease)
- Bioaccumulation in fish
Hazards
- Highly toxic neurotoxin (vapor and compounds)
History
| Discovered | ~1500 BCE |
|---|---|
| Discovered by | Ancient Egyptians/Chinese |
| Name | From Planet Mercury (Symbol Hg from hydrargyrum) |