Question

Mercury has a density of 13.6

Give the symbol of an elemental metal that will float in Hg (liq) The choices are -

Aluminium, Copper, Gold, Mercury, Silver, Brass, Cast Iron, 14 carat gold jewelry, 18 carat gold jewelry, 24 carat gold jewelry, Stainless Steel, Solder.

- What is the symbol of the elemental metal of the choices listed above that will sink in Hg (liq)?

Answer 1

1) Because mercury’s density is high, most other substances will float in it. This includes metals such as nickel, iron and copper as well as mixed substances such as most types of stone and organic materials such as plastics and wood. Those liquids and gases that are less dense than mercury will also float in it.

As per the choices given Copper can float in mercury. The Symbol Copper metal is Cu

2) A handful of elements are denser than mercury and objects made of these substances will sink into it. Several precious metals -- including gold, with a density of 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter, platinum with 21.4, and iridium with 22.65 -- will sink in a mercury bath. Many of the actinide elements, radioactive substances that reside at the very bottom of the periodic table, also have very high densities and will sink in mercury. Plutonium, for example, has a density of 19.84 grams per cubic centimeter. Americium, another actinide element, is slightly denser than mercury at 13.84 grams per cubic centimeter.

Gold will sink mercury. Symbol of glod is Au