Mercury The Element Mercury - 2182 Words

Mercury: The element mercury has the chemical symbol Hg; it is a silver colour and is a liquid at room temperature. Mercury has a high density and surface tension and can easily break up into small droplets. Mercury can dissolve some metals resulting in amalgams, metal alloys of mercury. It is not soluble in water or most other liquids, but will dissolve in lipids (fats and oils). With fluctuations in temperature, mercury expands and contracts evenly with these changes and is classed as a non-combustible liquid. (Mercury characteristics) When mercury enters the environment from emissions in the air, water or soil, it oxidises into other compounds of mercury. Both mercury and its compounds have high acute (short-term) and have high chronic (long-term) toxicity on aquatic life. Eating fish contaminated with mercury has caused poisoning in humans; birds and land animals exposed in the same manner could also be subject to the same effects. Mercury and its compounds are highly persistent in water and the environment and will bio accumulate or concentrate in the tissues of fish. These concentrations will be considerably higher than the water from which the fish is taken. Mercury chloride will act as a particle, following wind patterns, and being deposited by rain. Elemental mercury may be a gas in the atmosphere. Emissions of mercury and or mercury compounds can produce elevated, but still low-level concentrations in the atmosphere around the source. Elemental mercury canShow MoreRelatedThe Element Mercury Essay example13 10 Words   |  6 PagesMercury is an element of the earth, and can take place naturally as well from manmade. Mercury continuously comes up towards the surface of the earth’s crust, because of the high temperature of the earth’s mantle, and this can make mercury a very mobile source. Surface rocks can contain high levels of concentrated mercury, which can add to the levels of emission standards of mercury. Natural sources can come from the earth crust, volcanoes, and erosion. Others are from weather, floods, and forestRead MoreThe element mercury was known to ancient Egypt and China. They used it thinking it would prolong600 Words   |  3 PagesThe element mercury was known to ancient Egypt and China. They used it thinking it would prolong their life. It is one of the metal which is liquid in normal pressure and temperature. Which helps us to understand many parameters which are dependent on pressure and temperature. It was recognized as an element by A. L. Lavoisi er in the 18th century. Some of the properties of the element are as follows. Chemical name Mercury Chemical symbol Hg Atomic number 80 Average mass number 200Read MoreHistory Of The Periodic Table Of Elements1664 Words   |  7 PagesHistory of the Periodic Table of Elements The construction of the Periodic Table of Elements was prior to the discovery of the individual elements. Elements such as silver, gold, tin, copper, lead and mercury have been known for centuries. In 1649, the first scientific discovery of an element was made by Hennig Brand when he discovered phosphorous. Prior to Brand’s discovery, chemists had acquired an immense body of understanding concerning the properties of elements and their compounds for the nextRead MoreThe Importance Of Monitoring And Assessment Methods In The Aquatic Environment1027 Words   |  5 Pages2. Monitoring and assessment method Mercury cannot be degraded, and once dispersed in the environment must be bond to another element, diluted, stored and/or exported in order to detox the environment. Left in the environment, mercury is persistent for decades or century, dependable of its state. Mercury concentrations vary through seasons, and the levels of elemental gaseous mercury (GEM) in air and dissolved gaseous mercury (DGM) are significantly higher in fall compared to summer. This supportsRead MoreMercury And Its Effects On Mercury1465 Words   |  6 PagesMercury is a heavy, silver-white, highly toxic metallic element. It is the only metallic element that is liquid at room temperature. Mercury can be used in thermometers, pesticides, pharmaceutical preparations, surfaces of mirrors, and dental fillings. There are several forms of mercury which include elemental or metallic mercury, inorganic mercury compounds, and organic mercury compounds. Elemental/metallic mercury is liquid at room temperature and turns into a colorless, odorless gas when heatedRead MoreThe Planet Of Planet Mercury1256 Words   |  6 Pages Introduction The planet Mercury is very difficult to study from the Earth because of its proximity to the Sun. It is the second smallest planet (it was believed to be the smallest until the discovery that Pluto is actually much smaller than originally thought), and also the fastest in its orbit since it is the innermost planet. Solar System Records Highest uncompressed density. Highest diurnal variation in temperature. Only Solar System object with a 3:2 spin-orbit resonance. it rotates on itsRead More automobile pollution Essay658 Words   |  3 Pageswe face is having vehicles with mercury light switches in the trunk and hood. Mercury is a fluid metallic element that is toxic and can cause various health problems, air and groundwater pollution also. Ford is one of the automobile companies that still use mercury in light switches and certain antilock brake components. The mercury becomes a problem only after vehicles containing it are taken to a junkyard and destroyed. When these vehicles are destroyed the mercury seeps out into the environmentRead MoreWhat Are The Toxic Components Of Its Harmful Effects And Remedies?761 Words   |  4 Pagesas well as harmful and a threat to the environment. If you open a different part of the PC have exposed, and toxic metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, barium, chromium, and copper etc. can face serious losses. Computer material containing harmful toxic elements in the brain, kidney, serious harmful to the fetus and Reproductive System. Harmful toxic elements that are widely used in a variety of PC components of its harmful effects and remedies as follows: 1. CRT Monitor Lead, phosphorus, cadmium:Read MoreThe Environmental Protection Agency ( Epa )1690 Words   |  7 Pageslargest source of U.S. mercury emissions to the air. Once mercury from the air reaches water, microorganisms can change it into methyl mercury, a highly toxic form that builds up in fish which is how people are primarily exposed to mercury by eating the contaminated fish. In the year 2011, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed a rule to reduce emissions of toxic air pollutants, specifically Mercury, from coal fired power plants. The resulting Mercury and Air Toxic StandardsRead MoreThe Miners During Colonial Latin America1161 Words   |  5 PagesDuring Colonial Latin America, the major production of silver and mercury as benefited Spaniards, while Indians worked for hours in the mines. Miners during this time were exposed to dangerous conditions in which many died of diseases, contamination/poisoning and injuries and all for low payments. In Mercury, Min ing, and Empire, Nicholas A. Robins incorporates the labor system and the processes behind the production of mercury and silver. Also, the pollution that surged as consequence and the conditions