Which of the following metal is in liquid state at room temperature?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

Delhi Police Head Constable (AWO/TPO) Official Paper (Held On : 27 Oct 2022 Shift 2)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Mercury.

Key Points

Mercury is the only metal that is in liquid state at room temperature.
It has a melting point of -38.83 degrees Celsius (or -37.89 degrees Fahrenheit).
Mercury is represented by the chemical symbol Hg, which comes from its Greek name hydrargyrum meaning "liquid silver."
It is commonly used in thermometers, barometers, and other scientific instruments due to its liquid state over a wide range of temperatures.

Additional Information

Physical Properties of Mercury:
- Mercury has a high surface tension and forms spherical droplets when spilled.
- It is a dense metal with a density of 13.534 g/cm³ at room temperature.
Toxicity:
- Mercury is highly toxic, and exposure can lead to serious health problems, including neurological and kidney damage.
- It can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption.
Environmental Impact:
- Mercury pollution is a significant environmental concern, particularly in water bodies where it can accumulate in fish and other wildlife.
- Efforts are ongoing globally to reduce mercury emissions and its use in various products.
Applications:
- Beyond thermometers and barometers, mercury is also used in fluorescent lamps, dental amalgams, and some industrial processes.
- However, due to its toxicity, safer alternatives are increasingly being used in many applications.