Mercury is a chemical element with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80. It is commonly known as quicksilver and was formerly named hydrargyrum.
Does mercury have a high or low boiling point?
Mercury has a melting point of -38.9oC, a boiling point of 356.7oC, and is the only metal to remain in liquid form at room temperature. Droplets of liquid mercury are shiny and silver-white with a high surface tension, appearing rounded when on flat surfaces.
Why does mercury have a high boiling point?
Complete answer: The temperature in the surrounding increases as the mercury expands and hence the gas filled in the thermometer compresses and it applies more pressure on the mercury thereby increasing the boiling point.
