Question

Why is mercury commonly stored in iron bottles?

• A. Because mercury does not form an amalgam with iron.
• B. Because mercury does not form amalgam with any other metal.
• C. Because mercury is more reactive as compared to iron.
• D. Iron bottles are not used to store mercury.

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Because mercury does not form an amalgam with iron.

An amalgam is a mixture or an alloy of mercury with a number of metals or alloys such as sodium, zinc, gold, and silver as well as with some non-metals.Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury and a silver-tin alloy.

Mercury does not form an amalgam with iron and hence mercury is commonly stored in iron bottles.