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Mercury, also known as quicksilver because it is a silver-colored liquid at room temperature, is an element that does not break down. It occurs naturally and is found in very small amounts in oceans, rocks and soils. It becomes airborne when rocks erode, volcanoes erupt and soil decomposes. It then circulates in the atmosphere and is redistributed throughout the environment. Large amounts of mercury also become airborne when coal, oil or natural gas is burned as fuel or mercury-containing garbage is incinerated. Once in the air, mercury can fall to the ground with rain and snow, landing on soils or water bodies, causing contamination.
Lakes and rivers are also contaminated when there is a direct discharge of mercury-laden industrial waste or municipal sewage. Once present in these water bodies, mercury accumulates in fish and may ultimately reach the dinner table.
Although mercury has been a very useful element, due to its unique properties, it poses a very real health risk-from direct exposure to mercury, as well as from eating contaminated fish. We can minimize this risk by reducing our use of mercury-containing products and properly disposing of mercury-containing waste.
What else can I help you with?
Would meteorology be useful science to apply to the study of planets such as Mars and Mercury?
Meteorology would be useful on Mars but not on Mercury. Mercury does not have a substantial atmosphere and therefore has no weather to speak of. Mars has enough of an atmosphere to produce weather such as dust storms.
Do we need Mercury?
Do you mean as an industrial agent, or as some kind of nutrient? Mercury is very toxic and should not be ingested for any reason. The primary useful role for mercury is that it is the only metal that is a liquid at standard temperature and pressure.
Is mercury a good conductor of heat?
Yes, mercury is a good conductor of heat. It has high thermal conductivity, which means it can transfer heat efficiently and evenly. This property makes mercury useful in applications where heat needs to be transferred quickly, such as in thermometers.
Why was the mercury thermometer invented?
The mercury thermometer was invented as a way to accurately measure temperature by using the expansion of mercury in response to changes in temperature. This allowed for precise and consistent temperature readings, making it a useful tool in various fields such as medicine, research, and industry.
What property of mercury makes it different from other metals and also make it useful in thermometers and silent lights?
Mercury is unique in that it is a liquid at room temperature, unlike most other metals which are solid. This property allows it to expand evenly when heated, making it ideal for use in thermometers. In addition, mercury's high density and low reactivity make it useful in silent lights, where it conducts electricity and generates light without creating noise.
Would meteorology be useful science to apply to the study of planets such as Mars and Mercury?
Meteorology would be useful on Mars but not on Mercury. Mercury does not have a substantial atmosphere and therefore has no weather to speak of. Mars has enough of an atmosphere to produce weather such as dust storms.
Would meteorology be useful science to Apply to the study of planets such as mercury and Mars?
Meteorology would be useful on Mars but not on Mercury. Mercury does not have a substantial atmosphere and therefore has no weather to speak of. Mars has enough of an atmosphere to produce weather such as dust storms.
Why has a thermometre got Mercury in it?
The element mercury has several unique properties, including that it expands when heat is applied, making it useful for making thermometers.
Do we need Mercury?
Do you mean as an industrial agent, or as some kind of nutrient? Mercury is very toxic and should not be ingested for any reason. The primary useful role for mercury is that it is the only metal that is a liquid at standard temperature and pressure.
What is some other useful information on mercury?
Other than what? Insufficient data to answer that question. Please rephrase. =)
Is mercury a good conductor of heat?
Yes, mercury is a good conductor of heat. It has high thermal conductivity, which means it can transfer heat efficiently and evenly. This property makes mercury useful in applications where heat needs to be transferred quickly, such as in thermometers.
Why was the mercury thermometer invented?
The mercury thermometer was invented as a way to accurately measure temperature by using the expansion of mercury in response to changes in temperature. This allowed for precise and consistent temperature readings, making it a useful tool in various fields such as medicine, research, and industry.
What state is mercury at 25 degrees Celsius?
At 25 degrees Celsius, mercury is in a liquid state. It has a melting point of -38.83 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 356.73 degrees Celsius, so at room temperature, it remains fluid. This unique property makes mercury useful in thermometers and barometers.
What property of mercury makes it different from other metals and also make it useful in thermometers and silent lights?
Mercury is unique in that it is a liquid at room temperature, unlike most other metals which are solid. This property allows it to expand evenly when heated, making it ideal for use in thermometers. In addition, mercury's high density and low reactivity make it useful in silent lights, where it conducts electricity and generates light without creating noise.
Why are low pressure mercury-vapour lamps coated with phosphors?
Low-pressure mercury-vapour lamps are coated with phosphors to convert the ultraviolet light emitted by the mercury into visible light that is more useful for general lighting purposes. This process allows the lamp to produce a broader spectrum of light, making it more appealing and efficient for human vision.
Why was Mercury used for thermometers?
Mercury is a liquid at room temperature; this made it a useful substance in thermometers. As the mercury heated up, it expanded; this indicated the temperature of the surroundings. Similarly, the colder it got, the more the mercury 'shrunk' so it indicated the low temperature.
Where do people use Mercury?
People use mercury because it has useful properties. It is a metal that is liquid at normal temperatures and conducts electricity It is dense (heavy) and so useful where added weight may be needed, as in clock pendulums It is a liquid and so will flow from one place to another
