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**THE GAME** ‘Ernest Goh’ Mercury – Only common liquid metal at RTP Mercury (or quicksilver) Symbol: Hg Atomic number: 80 Nucleon number: 201 Atomic weight: 200.59 atomic mass units (above: the symbol for the planet mercury is commonly used to represent the element as well)
 * Interesting properties of mercury:**

__Melting point__ Melting point: -38.87 degrees Celsius Boiling point: 356.58 degrees Celsius Mercury is one of five metals ( francium, caesium, gallium and rubidium) w hich are in the liquid state at room temperature and pressure. This is because it has an exceptionally low melting/freezing point, -38.87 degrees Celsius whereas many other metals in the solid state at room temperature and pressure can have melting points in the range of hundreds of degrees Celsius. For example, copper and gold both have melting points above 1000 degrees Celsius (1084.5 and 1064.4 degrees Celsius respectively). Thus, mercury is unique in the respect that it has a very low melting point and thus, remains in the liquid state at room temperature and pressure. __Density__ Density: 13.5336 grams per cubic centimetre Mercury has one of the highest densities among metals. Its density is so high that it can suspend extremely dense substances in it. To watch a video of an iron cannonball being suspended in mercury, visit [] __Rate of Evaporation__ Mercury also has an extremely high evaporation rate and is in that sense similar to alcohol. However, mercury fumes can be extremely poisonous and has caused lung problems to those who accidentally inhale it. __Thermometer__ Mercury expands uniformly when heated and thus, is suitable for use in a thermometer.
 * Uses of mercury:**

__Cavity fillings__ Mercury readily combines with other metals, and thus is suitable here because the preferred material for fillings is a combination of silver and mercury. __Pesticides__ Mercury is poisonous and thus can kill bacteria and other pests. __Batteries__ Mercury conducts electricity and thus can be used in batteries. [|http://acc6.its.brooklyn.cuny.edu/~scintech/mercury/Whatis_mercury.htm] []
 * Acknowledgements**