2006-07-25 06:34:00 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Mercury is an element, so it's made of MERCURY. In other words, it's like asking what Oxygen is made of.
It was named after the planet Mercury. Mercury's chemical symbol comes from the Greek word hydrargyrum, which means "liquid silver."
Mercury was known to the ancient Chinese and Hindus and has been found in 3500 year old Egyptian tombs. Mercury is not usually found free in nature and is primarily obtained from the mineral cinnabar (HgS). Spain and Italy produce about half of the world's supply of Mercury.
Mercury can be used to make thermometers, barometers and other scientific instruments. Mercury conducts electricity and is used to make silent, position dependent switches. Mercury vapor is used in streetlights, fluorescent lamps and advertising signs.
Mercury easily forms alloys with other metals, such as gold, silver, zinc and cadmium. These alloys are called amalgams. Amalgams are used to help extract gold from its ores, create dental fillings (in the case of silver) and help extend the life of dry cell batteries (in the case of zinc and cadmium).
Mercury forms useful compounds with other elements. Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) is a very poisonous salt and was once used to disinfect wounds. Mercurous chloride (Hg2Cl2), also called calomel, is an antiseptic used to kill bacteria. Mercuric sulfide (HgS) is used to make a red paint pigment called vermilion. Mercuric oxide (HgO) is used to make mercury batteries.
Mercury is poisonous and can enter the body through the respiratory tract, the digestive tract or directly through the skin. It accumulates in the body, eventually causing severe illness or death.
2006-07-25 06:47:56 · answer #1 · answered by chairman_of_the_bored_04 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
for the sake of chemical humor -
Mercury is made of Mercury (:
From what I know, Mercury has a vast iron (Fe) content, which makes a strong magnetic field around the planet.
2006-07-25 07:14:49 · answer #2 · answered by IspeakToRocks 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Uhhhh it is made of Mercury. Mercury is an element.
Unless you mean the planet, which is discussed here....
2006-07-25 06:40:19 · answer #3 · answered by gohotwire 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The element is made of 80 protons and an assortment of neutrons (depending on isotope number). The planet is made of mostly iron, nickel, cobalt and other metals in its core, a thin crust of the oxides of silicon and aluminum (mostly) and a complex of iron and magnesium minerals called perovskite in its mantle.
2006-07-25 06:49:22 · answer #4 · answered by aichip_mark2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One is a planet, one is an element..
The planet is made of a LOT of things..
The other is made of mercury...
2006-07-25 07:32:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Montzirelli Pizza.
2016-03-26 20:55:17 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Plate
2006-07-25 06:36:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Metal, rubber, plastic, steel, vinyl, and some copper and magnisiem wheels.
You meant a LaSabre, right?
2006-07-25 07:29:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rock.
2006-07-25 06:39:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
mecury is a liquid metal...(I realize you mean the planet but be a little more specific).
2006-07-25 06:59:58 · answer #10 · answered by kmclean48 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋