Which metal remains liquid at normal ambient temperature?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

NPCIL Stipendiary Trainee (Category-II) Official Paper (Held On: 11 Jun 2019)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Mercury.

Key Points

Mercury (Hg) is the only metal that remains in liquid form at room temperature (20°C or 68°F).
It has a melting point of -38.83°C (-37.89°F), which is much lower than most other metals.
Mercury is commonly used in thermometers, barometers, and other scientific instruments due to its stable liquid state at a wide range of temperatures.
It is a heavy, silvery metal with a high density of 13.534 g/cm³, which makes it dense enough to be used in equipment like manometers.

Additional Information

Periodic Table:
- Mercury is located in Group 12 and Period 6 of the periodic table.
- It has the atomic number 80 and an atomic weight of 200.59 u.
Toxicity:
- Mercury is highly toxic and can cause serious health issues, including neurological damage, if inhaled or ingested.
- It is important to handle mercury with care and use proper safety protocols.
Uses:
- Besides scientific instruments, mercury is used in dental amalgams, fluorescent lighting, and some industrial processes.
Environmental Impact:
- Mercury pollution is a significant environmental concern, particularly in water bodies where it can accumulate in fish and other aquatic organisms.
- Efforts are ongoing to reduce mercury emissions and find safer alternatives for its uses.