2.   A dense silvery liquid  The only common metal liquid at ordinary temperatures  Fair conductor of electricity  Known to ancient Chinese & Hindus before 2000 BC  Found in tubes in Egyptian tombs from 1500 BC  Chemical symbol from Greek word hyrdagyrum, meaning liquid silver Background

3.   Not usually found free in nature  Found in very small amounts in oceans, rocks, soil  Rare element in Earth’s crust  Mainly found as cinnabar (HgS) – Mercury (II) sulfide in Spain & Italy Natural Occurrence

4.   Readily extracted from this Mercury (II) Sulfide by roasting the ore in air  Oxide is formed, but this dissociates at the temperature used: 2HgS(s) + 3O 2 (g)  2HgO(s) + 2SO 2 (g) 2HgO(s)  2Hg(l) + O 2 (g)  Mercury vapour is evolved, which is condensed to give the familiar dense silvery liquid Extraction

5.  1.Mercury  Used to make scientific instruments – thermometers, barometers  Conducts electricity – used to make silent, position dependent switches  Mercury vapour – used in streetlights, fluorescent lamps, advertising signs Uses

6.  2. Alloys  Mercury easily forms alloys with other metals – gold, silver, zinc, cadmium  Alloys called amalgams  Used to help extract gold from its ores, create dental fillings, extend life of dry cell batteries

7.  3. Compounds  Forms useful compounds with other elements  Mercuric chloride is a very poisonous salt and was once used to disinfect wounds  Mercurous chloride is an antiseptic used to kill bacteria  Mercuric sulfide used to make red pain pigment called vermilion  Mercuric Oxide used to make mercury batteries

8.   When mercury is exposed in the air, it settles down into water or onto land  Certain microorganisms can change it into a highly toxic – methylmercury  It builds up in fish, shellfish, and other animals that eat fish  These are the main sources of methylmercury exposure to humans Environmental Impact

9.   High levels of exposure can harm brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, & immune system of people of all ages  Harmful effects on animals include death, reduced reproduction, slower growth & development, abnormal behavior Health Impacts

10.   Basic Information. (n.d.). EPA. Retrieved February 6, 2014, from http://www.epa.gov/hg/about.htm http://www.epa.gov/hg/about.htm  Jefferson, T. (n.d.). The Element Mercury. It's Elemental -. Retrieved February 6, 2014, from http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele080.html http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele080.html  Why Is Mercury Important?. (2004, July 15). Why is Mercury Important?. Retrieved February 7, 2014, from http://www.mercuryinschools.uwex.edu/mercury/about.htm  Winter, M. (n.d.). Mercury. WebElements Periodic Table of the Elements. Retrieved February 8, 2014, from https://www.webelements.com/mercury/ References