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Mercury - Definition, Uses, Structure, Properties, FAQs

Mercury - Definition, Uses, Structure, Properties, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:43 PM IST

What is Mercury?

Mercury is a substance with a mercury atomic number of 80 along with an atomic mass of 200.59 g / mol. It is only liquid metal. Its symbol is Hg. It places the d in d-block of the current time table and therefore is also a convertible. The objects in block d are called transitions because of their position between the block and the p-block. The position of the mercury metal in the time table is group 12 and the sixth period.

This Story also Contains
  1. What is Mercury?
  2. Chemical Properties of Mercury
  3. Mercury Structures
  4. Mercury Chemical Properties
  5. Uses of Mercury

Mercury is a good electrical conductor and a good heat conductor. Due to the presence of unpaired electrons in the d-orbital mercury element, it is a good conductor of electricity. Latin name mercury is . Density of mercury is 13.5 g/mL. Also, red mercury uses are USSR nuclear weapons program. Mercury formula is Hg.

Chemical Properties of Mercury

  • Mercury is a malfunctioning metal.
  • It does not react with oxygen present in the air.
  • Mercury reacts with certain acids.
  • Mercury can be dissolved in aqua regia and concentrated in nitric acid.
  • Mercury responds with sulfur.

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Mercury Structures

Mercury Body Structures are

Mercury is a shiny silver metal.

The amount of mercury temperature is 13.6g cubes in 20-centimeters Celsius.

The boiling point of mercury is 356.6-degrees Celcius.

Electronic configuration 4f145d106s2.

The surface tension of the mercury metal is very high.

The Mercury symbol in the Timeline

The mark Mercury Hg is derived from the Greek word for mercury, which is Hydrargyrum. The meaning of the word is liquid silver as it is colored and shiny like silver, but wet in the province.

Mercury is the only liquid metal present.

Mercury metal was discovered by the ancients.

Mercury is something that cannot be repaired or destroyed. The only source of mercury is its ores on the earth.

Silver mercury is highly toxic and should be treated with care. It is harmful to the environment and to the workplace.

Mercury can enter the food chain and show the potential for biological growth. An early example of this was Minamata disease in Japan caused by eating lake fish whose water was contaminated with mercury.

Mercury is also known as quicksilver because it moves faster when applied. It also got its name from the fast-moving planet named Mercury.

It is a heavy metal and forms certain non-perishable compounds and is therefore collected in nature.

Alloys of mercury metal and other metals such as gold, tin, etc are known as alloys.

The mercury sulphide ore is Cinnabar.

Mercury Environmental Effects

Mercury is converted to methyl mercury by other microorganisms. Methyl mercury is a water-soluble compound and can be easily absorbed by living organisms. Like mercury enters the food chain and affects biodiversity. This leads to the death of many things that disrupt the balance of nature.

Mercuric compounds do not rot and can accumulate in nature. The accumulation of such toxic metals is a serious threat to the environment.

Mercury abundance

According to the above mentioned quantity at 20°C and the use of a Beattie formula that provides the amount of mercury produced. In addition to thermometry, mercury is used as a reliable standard for determining the volume of small power steps and maintaining a standard main barometer. In any case, the temperature of interest is 0-41°C, so maximum values are calculated in steps of 0.1°C in this range. The amount of mercury magnitude refers to a pressure of 101325 Pa.

The amount of mercury at 20° C was 13545.848 kg / m3.

The Mercury element has been known for thousands of years. People have learned to make this metal with a very important ore called Cinnabar. Cinnabar emits mercury as a vapor when it is blown; later the smoke cools down and is absorbed as liquid mercury.

Mercury structures

Mercury metal can be frozen to solid at a temperature of 38.85 ° C. It can be converted to gas when boiled to 365.6 ° C. The amount of mercury is 13.59 grams per cubic centimeter.

It has two very interesting visuals.

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Extremely high altitude.

Excellent electric conductor.

Allergies are the properties of beverages that make them appear to be covered with skin. While a good electric conductor, this material is used in switching on and off the mercury switch.

Another liquid metal is mercury. There is actually another liquid, bromine. Bromine is a non-metallic substance. At a temperature of 38.85 ° C (- 37.93 ° F), mercury can be frozen (converted into solid). At 365.6 ° C (690.1 ° F), it can be converted to gas ("boiled"). Its mass is 13.59 grams per cent per cube.

Mercury is an excellent electrical conductor, too. In various active products, this material is used. One such gadget is the mercury switch, for example, the type that turns off and off the lights. You should put a small amount of mercury in a small glass container.

To touch back and forth, a capsule can be made. Mercury runs from one side to the other as a tip. The mercury at the end of one capsule will cause electrical energy to pass through the region. On the other hand, there is no mercury, so no current will pass. Mercury conversion is easy and quick to produce.

Mercury Chemical Properties

Mercury works moderately.

It reacts with other acids when hot, but not with too many cold acids.

Details of Mercury element

Mercury is also a chemical substance. Its common name is "quicksilver". The element mercury is silver in color. It can change very quickly.

It expands or becomes larger at higher temperatures. Signs or shrinks at low temperatures.

One mercury enters the body and is difficult to remove.

Mercury is used to make lamps and batteries. It is used for electrical switching. There is also rat poison and insects. It can also be used medically.

Uses of Mercury

Mercury metal has many applications. Due to its very high mercury used thermometers, barometers, manometers, sphygmomanometers, floating valves, mercury exchanges, mercury transfers, fluorescent lamps and other devices.

Mercury Meaning

Mercury is a chemical substance and is the only common metal in water at normal temperatures. Known as quicksilver and heavy, white silver metal. Mercury is one of the flexible metals, where one of the elements found between Groups 2 (IIA) and 13 (IIIA) is in the given periodic table.

As part of a chemical, mercury cannot be built or destroyed. The same amount has been in the world since the world was made. Mercury, however, can revolve around nature as part of natural and human activities. Mercury metal has also received many new applications in electronic devices and electrochemistry. Mercury metal is a flexible liquid; it has a measurable pressure of evaporation at room temperature.

The concentration of mercury is 13.6 g.cm-3 at 20 ° C

Mercury is a liquid metal of many useful applications. And it is a dangerous element in the environment and in the workplace, and it has ruined many things. The knowledge of mercury melting is useful in dealing with problems that require knowledge of the concentration of metals in liquids and in the souls of our environment.

NCERT Chemistry Notes:

Most commonly used mercury chemicals:

Calomel - mercurous chloride (Hg2Cl2) is used as a measure in electrochemical and medical measurements as a purgative.

Mercuric chloride - Subrosa (HgCl2) is used as an insecticide such as rat poison and antibiotic.

Mercuric oxide is used in oily skin.

Mercuric sulfate is used as a stimulant in living chemicals.

Mercury is used in barometers, manometers, thermometers, sphygmomanometers, mercury switches, float valves, mercury relays, fluorescent lamps, and other instruments, and concerns about toxicity have led to mercury thermometers and sphygmomanometers being increasingly eliminated in clinics such as thermometers.

Mercury does not react with many acids, such as dilute sulfuric acid, but is dissolved to provide sulfate, nitrate, and chloride with oxidizing acids such as concentrated sulfuric acid and nitric acid or aqua regia. Mercury reacts with the atmosphere's hydrogen sulphide, much like platinum.

Mercury fill is the most important component in the production of explosives and guns. This compound is often used in weapons as a cartridge primer. As it allows gold to sink into water-rock conveys, mercury has traditionally been used (mostly) in the process of gold mines pressing them down. Small particles of gold can form an amalgam of mercury and gold and, therefore, increase the discovery rates of gold. In the 1960s, heavy use of mercury ceased (due to its toxicity). However, in the search for gold in small quantities (especially privately), it is still known that mercury is used.

Model Solved Example for Mercury Quantity

Question:

A 20ml sample of mercury weighs 271g. Calculate the amount of mercury.

Solution:

Quantity = Mass / volume

Quantity = 271g / 20ml

Quantity of mercury factor = 13.55 g / ml

This question tests the knowledge of the basic equation. Although the calculation is simple one should be able to use this calculation in order to be able to connect this information with the other facts and formulas given in the paragraph.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is mercury called Quicksilver?

Mercury's chemical symbol, Hg, comes from the Greek “hydrargyrum” meaning liquid silver. Mercury is also known as “quicksilver,” a reference to its mobility.

2. What is the use of Mercury?

There are various uses of mercury in different fields-

  • Mercury is used in thermometers to measure body temperature and objects.
  • Vermillion is mercuric sulfide.
  • Some mercury chemicals are used in explosives.
  • Mercuric chloride is used medically.
  • Various mercury compounds are used to lubricate the skin.
  • Other mercury compounds are also used as pesticides and rodenticides.
  • Mercury metal is used to make batteries and lamps and fluorescent lamps.
  • Besides mercury thermometers are also used in barometers, manometers, sphygmomanometers (a tool used to measure blood pressure).
  • Mercury is also used as a stimulant in many responses.
  • Mercury is also used in the gold mining process.
3. Explain the Effects of Mercury on Health and Environment.

The health effects of mercury are:

  • If mercury is separated from broken thermometers it can enter the body through respiration as a flexible metal or skin and can cause various diseases in the body if present in large quantities.
  • Mercury is a very toxic metal and can cause skin irritation, skin rashes, allergies.
  • It can cause headaches, can damage the nervous system.
  • It can cause genetic defects and mutations in human genes.
  • It can affect reproductive health.
  • Other side effects of mercury include vision distortion, memory loss, and muscle damage, as well as muscle instability.
4. Why is mercury a metal?

Mercury is also sometimes called quicksilver or liquid silver. Mercury is classified as a "Transition Metal" as it is ductile, malleable, and is able to conduct heat and electricity.

5. What is liquid mercury used for?

Liquid mercury is used because its high density requires less space. It is also a good conductor of electricity, so it is a useful component of electrical switches.

6. How does mercury interact with other elements to form compounds?
Mercury can form compounds with many elements, typically through ionic or covalent bonding. With non-metals, it often forms covalent compounds (e.g., HgCl2), while with some metals, it forms amalgams. Mercury(I) compounds contain the diatomic Hg2²⁺ ion, while mercury(II) compounds contain the Hg²⁺ ion. Its ability to form various compounds is important in industrial applications and environmental chemistry.
7. Why is mercury considered a poor conductor of heat despite being a metal?
Mercury is a poor conductor of heat compared to other metals due to its unique electronic structure. The filled d-subshell results in weak metallic bonding, which limits the movement of electrons and reduces thermal conductivity. This property distinguishes mercury from typical metals and influences its applications in certain thermal systems.
8. How does mercury's reactivity compare to other elements in Group 12?
Mercury is less reactive than its Group 12 counterparts (zinc and cadmium) due to its filled d-subshell and the relativistic effects on its electron orbitals. It does not react with air at room temperature and is resistant to many acids. This lower reactivity influences its chemical behavior and applications, distinguishing it from typical transition metals.
9. How does the boiling point of mercury compare to other metals, and what implications does this have?
Mercury has a relatively low boiling point (356.73°C) compared to most metals. This low boiling point, combined with its liquid state at room temperature, makes mercury highly volatile. The implication is that mercury can easily vaporize, leading to potential exposure through inhalation and complicating its containment and handling in industrial and laboratory settings.
10. How does mercury behave in aqueous solutions, and what factors influence its solubility?
In aqueous solutions, mercury's behavior depends on its oxidation state and the presence of other ions. Elemental mercury is practically insoluble in water. Mercury(II) salts are generally more soluble than mercury(I) salts. The solubility is influenced by factors such as pH, the presence of complexing agents, and redox conditions. In natural waters, mercury can form various complexes, affecting its mobility and bioavailability.
11. Why is mercury called a "transition metal" despite having a full d-subshell?
Mercury is considered a transition metal due to its position in the d-block, even though it has a full d-subshell (4f14 5d10 6s2). This classification is based on its location rather than its electron configuration. Mercury exhibits some properties typical of transition metals, such as forming colored compounds and having multiple oxidation states.
12. How does mercury's electronic configuration contribute to its unique properties?
Mercury's electronic configuration (4f14 5d10 6s2) results in weak metallic bonding due to the filled d-subshell. This leads to its liquid state at room temperature, high volatility, and low electrical resistance. The 6s2 electrons are less shielded, causing mercury to form weak covalent bonds in some compounds.
13. Why is mercury liquid at room temperature, unlike other metals?
Mercury is liquid at room temperature due to relativistic effects on its electron orbitals. The high speed of electrons near the nucleus causes the 6s orbital to contract and stabilize, while the 5d orbitals expand. This leads to weak metallic bonding and a low melting point of -38.83°C.
14. What are the main oxidation states of mercury, and how do they differ in stability?
Mercury primarily exists in two oxidation states: +1 and +2. The +1 state occurs as dimeric Hg2²⁺ ions, while the +2 state exists as monomeric Hg²⁺ ions. The +2 state is generally more stable and common in mercury compounds.
15. How does mercury's vapor pressure compare to other metals, and why is this important?
Mercury has a relatively high vapor pressure compared to other metals at room temperature. This property is important because it leads to the release of mercury vapor, which can be easily inhaled and absorbed by the body, posing significant health risks. The high vapor pressure also contributes to mercury's use in certain applications, such as vapor lamps.
16. How does the atomic structure of mercury contribute to its unique spectral properties?
Mercury's atomic structure, with its filled d-subshell and two 6s electrons, results in distinctive spectral properties. When excited, mercury atoms emit light at specific wavelengths, most notably in the ultraviolet range. This property is utilized in mercury vapor lamps, which produce a characteristic blue-white light. The spectral lines of mercury are also used as reference standards in spectroscopy.
17. How does organic mercury differ from inorganic mercury in terms of toxicity and environmental impact?
Organic mercury compounds, particularly methylmercury, are generally more toxic than inorganic mercury forms. Methylmercury can easily cross biological membranes, including the blood-brain barrier, leading to severe neurological effects. It also bioaccumulates in food chains, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. Inorganic mercury, while still toxic, is less readily absorbed by organisms and doesn't biomagnify to the same extent as organic mercury.
18. How does the concept of relativistic effects explain mercury's unique properties?
Relativistic effects in mercury refer to the influence of the high velocity of electrons near the nucleus on the atom's electronic structure. These effects cause the 6s orbital to contract and stabilize, while the 5d orbitals expand. This leads to weaker metallic bonding, explaining mercury's liquid state at room temperature, its high first ionization energy, and its tendency to form covalent rather than ionic bonds in many compounds. Understanding these relativistic effects is crucial for explaining mercury's behavior that deviates from typical transition metal patterns.
19. What role does mercury play in atmospheric chemistry and climate science?
Mercury plays a significant role in atmospheric chemistry and climate science. It can be emitted into the atmosphere through natural and anthropogenic sources, existing primarily as elemental mercury vapor. In the atmosphere, mercury can undergo various transformations, including oxidation to more reactive forms. These processes affect its global transport and deposition patterns. Mercury's atmospheric cycle is important in climate science for understanding pollutant distribution and its potential impacts on ecosystems. Additionally, studying atmospheric mercury helps in assessing human impacts on global elemental cycles.
20. What is the significance of mercury's isotopes in scientific research and dating techniques?
Mercury has seven stable isotopes, which is unusual for a heavy element. This isotopic diversity makes mercury useful in various scientific applications. For example, mercury isotopes are used in studying environmental processes, tracing pollution sources, and understanding biogeochemical cycles. The ratios of different mercury isotopes can provide information about the origin and transformations of mercury in the environment.
21. How does mercury form amalgams, and why is this property significant?
Mercury forms amalgams by dissolving other metals, creating alloys. This property is significant in dentistry for dental fillings, in gold extraction, and historically in mirror production. The ability to form amalgams is due to mercury's unique liquid state and its capacity to interact with other metallic elements.
22. What is the significance of mercury's high surface tension?
Mercury has a high surface tension, which causes it to form spherical droplets when spilled. This property is significant for its use in scientific instruments like thermometers and barometers. The high surface tension also prevents mercury from wetting glass surfaces, contributing to its historical use in mirrors and other optical devices.
23. How does the density of mercury compare to other liquids, and why is this important?
Mercury is extremely dense compared to most liquids, with a density of 13.534 g/cm³ at 20°C. This high density is important for applications in barometers and manometers, where mercury's weight creates significant pressure differences in small volumes. It also affects how mercury behaves in the environment, often sinking to the bottom of water bodies.
24. What role does mercury play in the environment, and how does it cycle through ecosystems?
Mercury plays a significant role in environmental cycles. It can be released naturally (e.g., volcanic activity) or through human activities (e.g., coal burning). In the environment, mercury can transform between different chemical forms, including elemental mercury, inorganic mercury compounds, and organic mercury (like methylmercury). This cycling through air, water, and soil can lead to bioaccumulation in food chains, posing risks to wildlife and humans.
25. What are the health risks associated with mercury exposure?
Mercury exposure can lead to serious health issues, including neurological damage, kidney problems, and developmental disorders. The risks vary depending on the form of mercury (elemental, inorganic, or organic) and the route of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact). Chronic exposure can result in tremors, impaired cognitive function, and other severe symptoms.
26. What is mercury and where is it found in the periodic table?
Mercury is a chemical element with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80. It is located in the d-block of the periodic table, specifically in period 6 and group 12. Mercury is unique as it is the only metal that exists in liquid form at room temperature.
27. What is the origin of mercury's symbol "Hg"?
The symbol "Hg" for mercury comes from the Latin word "hydrargyrum," meaning "water-silver." This name was given due to mercury's liquid state and silvery appearance at room temperature.
28. What is meant by the term "mercury poisoning," and what are its primary causes?
Mercury poisoning refers to toxicity resulting from exposure to mercury or its compounds. The primary causes include occupational exposure (e.g., in mining or certain industries), consumption of contaminated fish or shellfish (containing methylmercury), use of mercury-containing products, and environmental pollution. Symptoms can range from tremors and cognitive impairment to severe neurological damage, depending on the form of mercury and level of exposure.
29. What is the role of mercury in traditional medicine and cultural practices, and why is this controversial?
Mercury has been used in various traditional medicines and cultural practices, such as in certain Ayurvedic preparations or in ritualistic uses. This is controversial because of the known toxicity of mercury. Even small amounts can accumulate over time, leading to severe health issues. The use of mercury in these contexts often stems from historical beliefs about its properties, which conflict with modern scientific understanding of its risks.
30. How does the presence of mercury in water bodies affect aquatic ecosystems?
Mercury in water bodies can have profound effects on aquatic ecosystems. In aquatic environments, inorganic mercury can be converted to methylmercury by certain microorganisms. Methylmercury readily bioaccumulates in the food chain, with concentrations increasing at higher trophic levels. This can lead to toxic effects in fish, birds, and mammals, including humans who consume contaminated seafood. Mercury contamination can alter ecosystem dynamics, affecting reproduction, behavior, and survival rates of various species. Understanding these impacts is crucial for environmental management and conservation efforts.
31. What are the main methods for detecting and measuring mercury in environmental samples?
Several methods are used to detect and measure mercury in environmental samples:
32. What is the significance of mercury's ability to dissolve gold, and how has this been used historically?
Mercury's ability to dissolve gold, forming an amalgam, has been historically significant in gold mining and extraction. This property allowed for the separation of gold from ore through a process called mercury amalgamation. While effective, this method has largely been phased out due to environmental and health concerns associated with mercury use.
33. What are the main industrial uses of mercury, and how are they changing due to environmental concerns?
Historically, mercury has been used in various industrial applications including chlor-alkali production, electrical switches, thermometers, and fluorescent lamps. However, due to environmental and health concerns, many of these uses are being phased out or replaced with safer alternatives. Current efforts focus on finding mercury-free technologies and proper disposal of mercury-containing products.
34. What are the challenges in safely disposing of or recycling mercury-containing products?
Safely disposing of or recycling mercury-containing products is challenging due to mercury's toxicity and volatility. The main challenges include preventing mercury release during handling and processing, ensuring proper containment, and developing efficient extraction methods. Recycling often involves thermal treatment to separate mercury from other materials, which requires careful emission control. Additionally, there's a need for specialized facilities and trained personnel to handle mercury waste safely.
35. How does mercury interact with different types of glass, and why is this important in laboratory settings?
Mercury does not wet or adhere to most types of glass due to its high surface tension. This property is important in laboratory settings for several reasons. It allows mercury to be easily contained in glass vessels without sticking to the sides, which is crucial for accurate measurements in instruments like thermometers and barometers. However, it can also make cleaning up mercury spills challenging, as the metal tends to form small beads that can easily scatter.
36. What is the relationship between mercury and electrical conductivity?
Mercury is a good conductor of electricity, which is unusual for a liquid. Its conductivity is due to the mobility of its electrons, despite having a filled d-subshell. This property makes mercury useful in certain electrical applications, such as mercury switches. However, its conductivity is lower than that of solid metals like copper or silver. The relationship between mercury and electrical conductivity is also important in understanding how mercury behaves in the environment and in biological systems.
37. How does mercury's behavior change under extreme pressures or temperatures?
Under extreme conditions, mercury's behavior can change significantly:
38. What are the chemical differences between mercury(I) and mercury(II) compounds?
The main chemical differences between mercury(I) and mercury(II) compounds are:
39. How does mercury interact with sulfur-containing compounds, and why is this important?
Mercury has a strong affinity for sulfur, readily forming stable compounds with sulfur-containing molecules. This interaction is important for several reasons:
40. What is the significance of mercury's use in polarography, and how does this technique work?
Mercury's use in polarography is significant due to its unique properties as a liquid metal electrode. Polarography is an electroanalytical technique used to determine the concentration of electroactive species in a solution. In this method:
41. How does mercury affect soil chemistry and microbial activity in terrestrial ecosystems?
Mercury's presence in soil can significantly impact soil chemistry and microb

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Questions related to

Have a question related to ?

Correct Answer: clues


Solution : The most appropriate option is the third option.

Explanation:
Clues refer to hints, evidence, or information that helps in understanding or solving something. In the context of the passage, moons, asteroids, and comets provide crucial information or hints about the formation and evolution of the solar system. They offer valuable insights that aid in understanding how the solar system came into existence and how it has changed over time.

The meanings of the other options are as follows:

  • Sets refer to a group of related objects or things.
  • Derivations refer to the process of obtaining something from a source or origin.
  • Biases refer to prejudices or inclinations that affect judgement or decision-making based on partiality or preference.

Correct Answer: Pyrometers


Solution : The correct option is the Pyrometers.

Luminous objects are things like electric bulbs that produce or radiate light on their own. A particular kind of remote-sensing thermometer used to gauge the temperature of far-off objects is called a pyrometer. It is a device that, using the quantity of thermal radiation a surface emits, can be used to determine a surface's temperature from a distance. This procedure is known as pyrometry and radiometry.

Correct Answer: Nitrogen and phosphorus


Solution : The correct answer is (a) Nitrogen and phosphorus

Eutrophication is a process that occurs in bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, where there is an excessive accumulation of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients can come from various sources, including agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and the use of fertilizers.

When an excess of nitrogen and phosphorus enters a body of water, it stimulates the growth of algae and other aquatic plants in an uncontrolled manner. This excessive growth of algae is known as an algal bloom. As the algae die and decompose, bacteria and other microorganisms consume oxygen, leading to oxygen depletion in the water. This depletion of oxygen can harm aquatic organisms, resulting in fish kills and a decline in biodiversity.

Eutrophication is a significant environmental issue and can lead to water quality degradation, ecological imbalances, and the disruption of aquatic ecosystems. Efforts to mitigate eutrophication include implementing nutrient management strategies, improving wastewater treatment, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to reduce nutrient runoff.

Question : Comprehension:
In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
The solar system is made up of the sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets that 1.______ around it. Its mysteries and wonders have captured the imagination of people from all walks of life, and it continues to be an area of active research and exploration. The sun is at the centre of the solar system and is the largest object in it. The eight planets in the solar system, 2._________ Earth, orbit around the sun in nearly circular paths. While the sun is at the centre of the solar system and dominates its gravitational pull, each planet has its own unique set of characteristics that makes it a fascinating object to study. Each planet in the solar system has unique characteristics and features. 3._________ planets, such as Mercury and Venus, are small and rocky, while others, like Jupiter and Saturn, are much larger and made up mostly of gas. The outer planets, Uranus and Neptune, are 4._______ as 'ice giants' because they contain more water, ammonia, and methane than the gas giants. In addition to the planets, the solar system also has numerous moons, asteroids, and comets. These objects provide important 5.______ about the formation and evolution of the solar system.
Question:
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank 2.

Option 1: excluding

Option 2: diluting

Option 3: dissolving

Option 4: including

Correct Answer: including


Solution : The most appropriate option is the fourth option.

Explanation: Including means to contain as part of a whole. In this context, it implies that among the eight planets in the solar system, Earth is one of them. "The eight planets in the solar system, including Earth, orbit around the sun in nearly circular paths."

The meanings of the other options are as follows:

  • Excluding means not taking into account or not including.
  • Diluting means to make something weaker or less concentrated.
  • Dissolving means becoming incorporated into a liquid and forming a solution.

 

Correct Answer: the cohesion of mercury is greater than its adhesion with glass


Solution : The correct option is the cohesion of mercury is greater than its adhesion with glass.

On a clean glass plate, the behaviour of a drop of water spreading and a drop of mercury remaining almost spherical is related to the balance of cohesion and adhesion forces. Mercury's cohesive forces (attraction between mercury molecules) are stronger than its adhesive forces (attraction between mercury and the glass surface).

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