Mercurio

Mercury
HISTORY:
Date of discovery of the element.
The element that we picked has not an official discover date, it is known since ancient times for Chinese, Egyptians and Hindus.

Formerand current symbology.
The alchemist used to use this symbol: [pic]which not only represents the element but also the planet.
“Greeks called it “‘hydro-argyros” that literally meansliquid-silver.” (It’s Elemental, http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele080.html) After some time the Romans modified the name a little bit until it was “Hydragyrum” from which we get mercury’scurrent symbol: Hg.
Uses
• Mercury is used primarily for the manufacture of industrial chemicals and for electrical and electronic applications
• Thermometers: it is used because of itslarge thermal expansion and sensitivity to the temperature.

• Barometers and manometers: it is used because of its high density.

• Dental amalgams: some people still use amalgams madeof 70%siler, 30%tin mixed with mercury forming a pliable material. It is being change due to health risks.

• As a liquid electrode: some industries use it as so in the manufacture of chlorineand sodium hydroxide by electrolysis of brine.

• Gaseous mercury is used in fluorescent lamps
• “In mining activities involving the extraction of minerals” (UNEP) such as gold, zinc, andiron.

• “Hg2Cl2: in medicine it is used as a purgative.

• HgCl2: as disinfectant, poison, insecticide.

• Mercuric oxide: for skin ointments.

• Mercuric sulphate: as acatalyst in organic chemistry.

• Hg(CNO)2: as a detonator.” (Broome)

Element description:
a. Characteristics: Appearance; ionization potential, atomic radius; electronegativity;valence, possible forming bonds.
• Appearance: Liquid silver-white at room temperature. When it’s solid is as soft as lead.
• Atomic radius: 1.76Å
• Ionization potential:...