Mercury is not only the planet that is closest to the sun, it is also a chemical element. The symbol for Mercury on the Periodic Table is Hg and it is also referred to as quicksilver. Even though it is a liquid it is very heavy, in the video below you’ll see a small amount poured into a glass, and that small amount actually weighs five pounds! Mercury is commonly used in thermometers, float valves, and fluorescent lights. You must be very careful when handling Mercury though as it is highly toxic.
Below is a photo of a coin floating on top of a beaker full of Mercury, this is due to the high density of the element:
So if Mercury is a liquid, do you think a sponge could soak it up? Check out the video below!
Mercury Fun Facts
