Q40 P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Why is mercury a liquid? Why does it have a 1+ ion?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Mercury is liquid at room temperature because of its unusual crystal structure. Also, there are limited interactions among mercury atoms because it only has two electrons in the as orbital ready for metallic bonding. Hg⁺ occurs because instead of losing both electrons, each Hg atom loses only one, and forms a bond with each other, forming the diatomic ion.

Step 1: Definition of Coordination Compound

A coordination complex consists of a central atom or ion, which is sometimes metallic and is named the coordination centre, and a surrounding array of bound molecules or ions, that are successively referred to as ligands or complexing agents.

Step 2: Solve the given statements

Unlike other metals, mercury can be found liquid at room temperature. This is because of its unusual crystal structure. Instead of being surrounded by 12 atoms, each mercury atom is surrounded by only 0, showing how loosely packed the atoms are. Also, there are limited interactions among mercury atoms because it only has two electrons in the as orbital ready for metallic bonding.

Hg⁺ is a cation of mercury, existing as a diatomic $H{g}_2^{2+}$ ion. This happens because instead of losing both 6 s electrons, each Hg atom loses only one, and the remaining single electrons form a bond with each other, forming the diatomic ion.