Mercury

media type="youtube" key="Rm5D47nG9k4" width="425" height="350"​​​​ ​​ The Element Mercury

Mercury is an element that is classified as a metal. It belongs to the transition metals family on the periodic table. It is dangerously poisonous and can be found in rivers and lakes. But read on to find how it's used, where it came from, and what it looks like. (Well... you won't need to read what it looks like.)

Mercury was discovered by the Chinese and Hindus about 3,500 years ago. Thousands of years later, The Egyptians rediscovered it in 1500 B.C. Nobody knows if the Egyptians discovered it first, or the Chinese first. Also, nobody knows how and where the Chinese and Hindus discovered Mercury, but we do know that the Egyptians found Mercury in decaying ancient tombs. This is where Mercury was discovered! Or maybe Egyptians found it first, or maybe aliens-wait, no, never mind.

So where did mercury get it's fancy name? It came from the Greek word hydrargyros, meaning 'water' and silver'. Actually, that's what it looks like. It's watery and silvery, as you can see below. Mercury, at room temperature, is a liquid. It's melting point is -38.83 Celsius, and boiling point is 356.73 Celsius



So, what's mercury good for? Well, it's used in everyday appliances! Like the barometer, thermometer and (not exactly an appliance,) fluorescent lights!

Even though mercury looks harmless, it is very, very, very dangerous. It's also a poison that pollutes lakes and rivers. It is a harmful substance that you should not mess around with. (Remember that, kids.)

Now, it's time for the people that are in a hurry (or too lazy) to read this Wiki, It's the Fast Facts section! (AKA, Cliff's Cliff Notes on mercury)


 * Looks silvery- white.
 * Has 6 energy levels.
 * Named after the planet mercury.
 * Mercury is a dangerous poison.
 * Mercury alloys with other metals, such as gold and silver.
 * Used to make appliances, like barometers and thermometers.[[image:http://www.centennialofflight.gov/2003FF/pressure/barometer2.jpg width="238" height="179" align="right"]]
 * Phase at room temperature is a liquid.
 * A rare native metal.
 * 50% comes from Spain and Italy.
 * Can conduct electricity and heat.
 * Used mainly in a barometer: it's called a mercury barometer.

Well, looks like our Wiki has come to it's last section. It's been a long, interesting, amazing, spectacular and totally awesome wiki, but my fingers are getting extremely tired. If you want to check out more on the element mercury, look on these amazing sites where //__WE__// found all of our info! Thanks for reading!

Made by:

Dan Jack

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