Name: Mercury

Atomic Symbol and Mass Number: Hg [80]

Electron Configuration: [Xe] 4f    5d     6s 

Atomic Radii: 151 pm

Electron Affinity: 0 kJ mol‑1

Oxidation States: +2, +1, -2

Electronegativity Value: 2.00

Elemental Group: Post Transition Metal

Uses and Properties:

• Mercury can be used to make thermometers, barometers and other scientific instruments. 

• Mercury conducts electricity and is used to make silent, position dependent switches. 

• Mercury vapor is used in streetlights, fluorescent lamps and advertising signs.

• Mercury has a melting point of -38.9oC, a boiling point of 356.7oC, and is the only metal to remain in liquid form at room temperature.

• Droplets of liquid mercury are shiny and silver-white with a high surface tension, appearing rounded when on flat surfaces.

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Lewis Diagram: