The processing characteristics of liquid silver mercury mainly include its physical properties, chemical properties and industrial applications.
Physical properties
Liquid silver mercury (mercury) is the only metal that exists in liquid form at room temperature and pressure. Its density is as high as 13.59 g/cm³, its melting point is -38.87°C, and its boiling point is 356.6°C, which allows it to remain in liquid form in most environments. Mercury has a very strong surface tension, which causes its surface to attract inward and form a spherical shape. This property is particularly useful in making mercury switches.
Chemical properties
Mercury is reductive and has two oxidation states: +2 and +1. Although it can remain stable in air, it can dissolve in nitric acid and hot concentrated sulfuric acid, showing a certain chemical reactivity. In addition, mercury can be mixed and ground with sulfur to produce non-toxic mercury sulfide (HgS), which provides an effective method for handling accidentally spilled mercury.