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View Full Version : Melting point of Mercury


RickJ
May 16, 2007, 04:03 AM
Mercury has a melting point of -38.87 °C (234.28 °K, -37.966 °F).

I also find conflicting information about it's freezing point. I see some sites saying it's freezing point is the same as it's melting point, but others say it freezes at -78 °F.

... so what happens to Mercury when it "melts"?

Capuchin
May 16, 2007, 04:06 AM
Melting is the opposite of freezing... so it makes sense that the transition is at the same temperature... :rolleyes:

Capuchin
May 16, 2007, 04:09 AM
Can you give the sites that give the freezing point as -78F

Capuchin
May 16, 2007, 04:11 AM
I think I have found the problem, The Mercury-Thallium alloy that is used in mercury thermometers has a melting point of -78F... This is where you/others might be getting confused.

RickJ
May 16, 2007, 04:21 AM
Of course... Duh me! I was thinking too much, wondering what happened to it at that low temp... and the answer, of course, is it freezes.

SirBajesus2
Feb 11, 2009, 02:15 PM
Since you know what that is what is the boiling point?

Capuchin
Feb 11, 2009, 03:32 PM
since yall know what that is what is the boiling point?

629.88 K from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)

Stratmando
Feb 27, 2009, 08:19 AM
Mercury has been used for centurys for gold prospecting.
Mercury will attach to the Gold forming an amalgam.
Then it can be heated in a Retort, so the Mecury Vaporizes, cooled down and reused again, and all that is left is the gold.
Mercury fumes are dangerous. I have heard it can vaporize at room temperature?