Mercury (Hg)
Mercury (Hg, element 80) is a transition metal in group 12, period 6. Atomic mass 200.592, electron configuration [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s², uses and facts.
About Mercury
Mercury is a transition metal with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80. It is a liquid at room temperature, and it sits in group 12, period 6 of the periodic table. Mercury has been known since antiquity.
Mercury key facts
- Atomic number: 80
- Symbol: Hg
- Atomic mass: 200.592 u
- Category: transition metal
- Group: 12
- Period: 6
- State at room temperature: liquid
- Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 2
- Melting point: 234.32 K (-38.83 °C)
- Boiling point: 629.88 K (356.73 °C)
- Density: 13.534 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: −2, +1, +2
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of mercury is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of mercury
- Thermometers
- Fluorescent lights
- Gold mining
Did you know?
The only metal liquid at room temperature. Ancient alchemists called it 'quicksilver' and believed it was the key to immortality.
Other elements in group 12 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of mercury?
The atomic number of mercury is 80, which means every mercury atom has 80 protons.
What is the electron configuration of mercury?
The electron configuration of mercury is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s².
What group and period is mercury in?
Mercury is a transition metal in group 12, period 6.
What state is mercury at room temperature?
Mercury is a liquid at room temperature.
What is mercury used for?
Mercury is used for thermometers, fluorescent lights, gold mining.