What Is the Relative Density of Mercury?

Mercury’s Atomic Structure

Mercury is an element found on the periodic table with atomic number 80 and chemical symbol Hg. It is a transition metal that is liquid at room temperature and is the only metal that is found in this state. Mercury has a relatively small atomic radius, measuring only 1.18 Å. It has a relatively high atomic mass of 200.59 g/mol. This element is also very dense, having a density of 13.5 g/cm3.

What Is Relative Density?

Relative density is a measure of the density of a given material in comparison to a reference material. For example, the relative density of mercury is the ratio of the density of mercury to the density of the reference material. The reference material used is usually water, which has a density of 1 g/cm3.

The Relative Density of Mercury

The relative density of mercury is 13.5 g/cm3, which is 13.5 times greater than the density of water. This makes mercury one of the densest materials in nature. Its high density makes it difficult to move or manipulate in its liquid form, and it is also quite difficult to evaporate.

Uses of Mercury

Mercury has many uses, from being used as an element in thermometers to being used in medicine. Its high density makes it ideal for use in thermometers because it is able to quickly retain and transfer heat. It is also used in the medical field to help diagnose certain medical conditions. Mercury is also used in dental amalgams, which are fillings made of a combination of metals.

Conclusion

The relative density of mercury is 13.5 g/cm3, which is 13.5 times greater than the density of water. This makes mercury one of the densest materials in nature and is used in many industries and medical fields due to its unique properties.