80Hg200.59
Mercury
Transition metalsHard, shiny metals that conduct heat and electricity well and often form coloured compounds.
[Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s²
- Atomic number
- 80
- Atomic mass
- 200.59
- Protons
- 80
- Neutrons
- 121 (most common)
- Electrons
- 80
- Shells
- 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 2
- State at 25 °C
- Liquid
- Position
- Group 12, period 6
Proton (+)Neutron (0)Electron (−)
Discovered byKnown since ancient times
Mercury was known in ancient India, China and Egypt. Its symbol Hg comes from the Latin hydrargyrum, meaning liquid silver.
Did you know?
- It is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature.
- It is toxic, so it is being replaced in most everyday uses.
Where it's found
- The red ore cinnabar
What it's used for
- Older thermometers
- Some lamps
Try it
Liquid metalVirtual lab only
- 1Pour mercury in the virtual lab.
- 2Try pushing a steel ball onto its surface.
What you'll see: The steel ball floats on the liquid metal.