1
Question
Why is mercury liquid at room temperature?
Why is mercury liquid at room temperature?
Open in App
Solution
The correct option is C Valence electrons are not shared easily
Mercury-mercury bonding is very weak because its valence electrons are not shared easily. Mercury is the only metal that doesn't form diatomic molecules in the gas phase.
Heat easily overcomes the weak binding between mercury atoms, mercury boils and melts at a lower temperature than any other metal.
The electrons are moving so fast and close to the nucleus that they exhibit relativistic effects, behaving as if they were more massive than slower-moving electrons.
Hence, the correct option is C
Mercury-mercury bonding is very weak because its valence electrons are not shared easily. Mercury is the only metal that doesn't form diatomic molecules in the gas phase.
Heat easily overcomes the weak binding between mercury atoms, mercury boils and melts at a lower temperature than any other metal.
The electrons are moving so fast and close to the nucleus that they exhibit relativistic effects, behaving as if they were more massive than slower-moving electrons.
Hence, the correct option is C
Suggest Corrections
0
Similar questions
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
Explore more
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
