Question

Identify the metal associated with the weakest metallic bond.

• A. Sodium
• B. Gold
• C. Mercury
• D. Gallium

Answer 1

The correct option is C Mercury

1) Because of the closed electronic configuration of $Hg$.

2) The electron configuration of mercury is:

$Hg:\left[Xe\right]4f^{14}5d^{10}6s^2$

3) All subshells are filled, so a $Hg$ atom is less likely to ionize than other transition metal atoms.

Therefore, there are few free electrons in mercury, and weak metallic bonds are formed.