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A dense silvery liquid The only common metal liquid at ordinary temperatures Fair conductor of electricity Known to ancient Chinese & Hindus before 2000 BC Found in tubes in Egyptian tombs from 1500 BC Chemical symbol from Greek word hyrdagyrum, meaning liquid silver Background

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Not usually found free in nature Found in very small amounts in oceans, rocks, soil Rare element in Earths crust Mainly found as cinnabar (HgS) Mercury (II) sulfide in Spain & Italy Natural Occurrence

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Readily extracted from this Mercury (II) Sulfide by roasting the ore in air Oxide is formed, but this dissociates at the temperature used: 2HgS(s) + 3O 2 (g) 2HgO(s) + 2SO 2 (g) 2HgO(s) 2Hg(l) + O 2 (g) Mercury vapour is evolved, which is condensed to give the familiar dense silvery liquid Extraction

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1.Mercury Used to make scientific instruments thermometers, barometers Conducts electricity used to make silent, position dependent switches Mercury vapour used in streetlights, fluorescent lamps, advertising signs Uses

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2. Alloys Mercury easily forms alloys with other metals gold, silver, zinc, cadmium Alloys called amalgams Used to help extract gold from its ores, create dental fillings, extend life of dry cell batteries

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3. Compounds Forms useful compounds with other elements Mercuric chloride is a very poisonous salt and was once used to disinfect wounds Mercurous chloride is an antiseptic used to kill bacteria Mercuric sulfide used to make red pain pigment called vermilion Mercuric Oxide used to make mercury batteries

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When mercury is exposed in the air, it settles down into water or onto land Certain microorganisms can change it into a highly toxic methylmercury It builds up in fish, shellfish, and other animals that eat fish These are the main sources of methylmercury exposure to humans Environmental Impact

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High levels of exposure can harm brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, & immune system of people of all ages Harmful effects on animals include death, reduced reproduction, slower growth & development, abnormal behavior Health Impacts

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Basic Information. (n.d.). EPA. Retrieved February 6, 2014, from http://www.epa.gov/hg/about.htm http://www.epa.gov/hg/about.htm Jefferson, T. (n.d.). The Element Mercury. It's Elemental -. Retrieved February 6, 2014, from http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele080.html http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele080.html Why Is Mercury Important?. (2004, July 15). Why is Mercury Important?. Retrieved February 7, 2014, from http://www.mercuryinschools.uwex.edu/mercury/about.htm Winter, M. (n.d.). Mercury. WebElements Periodic Table of the Elements. Retrieved February 8, 2014, from https://www.webelements.com/mercury/ References