Question

The metal which exists in a liquid state at room temperature?
(a)- Ca
(b)- Hg
(c)- K
(d)- Na

Answer 1

Hint: If the metal is liquid at room temperature then the metal has a low melting point. The metal that exists in a liquid state at room temperature belongs to the d-block. The liquid metal is also used in the thermometer.


Complete step by step answer:
The metal that is liquid at room temperature is known as Mercury. Mercury is the element of group 12 and period 6 of the d-block. The atomic number of mercury is 80 and the electronic configuration of mercury is $[Xe]4{{f}^{14}}5{{d}^{10}}6{{s}^{2}}$ . its symbol is Hg.
Mercury is categorized as Post-transition metal, but it is alternatively considered as a transition metal. As the mercury metal is liquid at room temperature this is because the melting point of mercury is very low, i.e., the melting point of mercury is $-{{38.82}^{\circ }}C$ or 234.32 K.
The boiling point of mercury is ${{356.73}^{\circ }}C$ or 629.88 K. The density of mercury is $13.534\text{ g/c}{{\text{m}}^{3}}$. The heat of vaporization of mercury is $59.11\text{ kJ/mol}$. The appearance of mercury is a silvery-white liquid.
Mercury is used in many instruments like a thermometer, manometers, barometers, mercury switches, mercury relays, sphygmomanometers, fluorescent lamps, and other devices. If mercury and mercury compounds are inhaled, it could lead to serious consequences because it is highly toxic.

So, the correct answer is an option (b)- Hg.


Note: Some of the symptoms and effects of mercury poisoning are damage to the brain, lungs, and kidneys. Diseases like acrodynia, Hunter-Russell syndrome, and Minamata disease are caused by mercury poisoning.