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Why is mercury a liquid at 0 degC (and at room temperature)?

1. very high ionisation energy
2. weak metallic bonds
3. high heat of hydration
4. high heat of sublimation

Correct answer: weak metallic bonds

Solution

Mercury has a stable 5d10 6s2 configuration with the 6s electrons tightly held (relativistic contraction), so metallic bonding is very weak and the metal melts below room temperature.

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