Question

Why is Mercury called quicksilver?

Answer 1

Mercury:

1. Mercury is a chemical element represented by the symbol $\mathrm{Hg}$.
2. It has an atomic number of 80.

Quicksilver:

1. Mercury is known as quicksilver because of its fast molecular motion and mobility.
2. Mercury, the Roman god who served as a messenger to all the other gods and whose name was shared with the nearest planet to the sun, was noted for his speed and mobility.

Hence, Mercury is called quicksilver.