Mercury

From Anvita Health Wiki

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Occurrence 3 Characteristics 4 Uses 5 More General Terms 6 Additional Terms 7 Internet Database 8 References

Introduction

• Named after the planet Mercury, which was named for the Roman god of eloquence, skills & commerce. The symbol Hg comes from the Latin hydargyrum meaning liquid silver. Known since ancient times.

Occurrence

• rare in earth's crust
• found in cinnabar ore

Characteristics

• heavy, silver-white metal
• only metal that is liquid at room temperature
• very volatile: its vapors are toxic
• alloys easily with other metals
• mercury & its compounds are toxic

• cumulative poison
• affects central nervous system, mouth, gums & teeth

Uses

• dental amalgams
• scientific instruments

• thermometers
• barometers
• diffusion pumps

• batteries
• switches
• pesticides
• vapor lamps
• advertizing signs

More General Terms

• chemical element
• metal

Additional Terms

• Hg+2
• mercury toxicity (hydrargyria, mercurialism)
• methyl mercury (MeHg, HgCH3)

Internet Database

PubChem: 26623
PubChem: 23931

References

1. Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, Miriam- Webster Inc. Springfield, MA 1990
2. Chemical & Engineering News, Sept 8, 2003
3. Mercury: NIH Institute and Center Resources [1]

mercury [Hg]